IN    MEMDRIAM 


srlte? 


ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 


&/  CJv  w 


Ninety-four  Milestones 


fmicfeerbocfeer  {Press 

New  York 
1914 


TO 
THE  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH 

OF 
SUCCASUNNA,  NEW  JERSEY 

whose  loving  appreciation  of  the  pastorate  of  half  a  century  made  it 
the  joy  and  crown  of  the  sixty-one  years  of  active  ministry,  and  of 
the  ninety-three  years  of  a  life  which  will  live  on  and  on  and  on 
in  the  lives  of  those  inspired  by  its  supreme  desire  to  glorify  God. 

As  the  stars  beyond  our  sight 
By  their  ministry  of  light 
Gently  hold  us  in  our  sphere, 
Absent  loved  ones  draw  us  near 
To  the  Home  whose  gates  ajar 
Send  the  guiding  ray  afar. 

ELIZA  A.  STODDARD. 


iii 


IN  MEMORIAM 


THE  REV.  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD,  D.D. 


Sent  to  the  home  of  earth,  April  23,  1820. 
Called  to  the  home  of  Heaven,  October  30,  1913. 

"All  life  is  an  ascent  and  its  ultimate  climax  and  glory  is  where 
they  gather  on  the  hills  of  God." 


DR.  STODDARD'S  MESSAGE  TO  HIS  HOME  AND  TO  HIS 

PEOPLE  BEFORE  HIS  DEPARTURE  ON 

OCTOBER  30,  1913 

"I  am  going  away;  I  am  going  to  Jesus;  I  am  going  home." 

"Your  work  is  not  done;  by  and  by  you  will  come  to  me  and  we 
will  be  together  again, ' ' 

"I  have  prayed  that  you  may  have  grace  and  wisdom  for  your 
heavy  care." 

"The  waters  will  be  deep,  very  deep,  but  they  will  not  over- 
flow. The  mouth  of  the  Lord  hath  spoken." 

Isaiah  xliii,  I,  2;  Isaiah  xli,  10  were  repeated.  Again  he  said, 
"I  wanted  to  live  and  work,  but  I  am  going  home." 

"I  want  Jesus  to  be  with  me  to  my  latest  breath  and  then  I 
want  that  breath  to  enter  into  your  life  to  carry  on  my  work.  Let 
everything  be  done  for  God's  glory!" 

As  in  Bunyan's  dream  and  vision, 

Those  who  came  to  Beulah  Land 
Found  the  Master's  sweet  provision 

For  each  need,  from  His  own  hand. 

While  from  Posts  across  the  river 

Came  the  messages  of  love, 
One  was  read:  "Stay  here  no  longer, 

You  are  needed  up  above." 

i 


ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

And  the  precious  loved  one  told  us 

"I  am  going — going  Home, 
Going  to  my  blessed  Jesus; 

By  and  by  when  work  is  done, 

"You  will  come  and  all  together 
Once  again  we  all  shall  meet, 

And  forever  and  forever 
Every  joy  will  be  complete. 

"I  have  prayed  for  every  blessing, 
Grace  and  wisdom  as  you  need 

Consciousness  of  present  guiding 

And  the  strength  for  which  you  plead. 

"Though  the  waters  shall  grow  deeper 
They  will  NEVER  OVERFLOW, 

For  the  Lord  Himself  is  Keeper 
Of  His  own  where'er  they  go. 

"Jesus  with  me  to  the  ending, 
Then  into  your  life,  my  own 

I  would  wish  to  come,  with  blessing 
To  my  people  and  my  home." 

Thus  the  Patriarchal  vision 

Left  a  legacy  sublime, 
That  involves  a  sweet  commission 

For  the  years  of  passing  time. 

And  the  fifty  years  are  with  us 

In  a  constant  ministry; 
While  the  Pastor  is  with  Jesus, 

Work  for  half  a  century 


MESSAGE  TO  HIS  HOME  AND  PEOPLE 

Has  left  sheaves  for  us  to  gather. 

We  must  sow  and  reap  the  plain 
Until  one  and  all  together 

Still  to  serve,  we  meet  again. 

Thus  at  closing  of  life's  story, 
Once  again  was  message  given, 

"Everything  for  God's  own  glory, " 
Brings  to  earth  the  life  of  Heaven. 


E.  A.  S. 


THE    STODDARD    FAMILY 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH 

"As  thou  hast  sent  me  into  the  world,  even  so  have  I  also  sent  them  into  the 
world."  John  xvii,  18. 

If  we  are  sent  on  an  errand,  there  is  a  plan  in  the  life,  and  when, 
on  April  23,  1820,  the  second  son  of  the  household  was  welcomed, 
he  was  recognised  as  one  sent  on  an  errand,  and  very  frequently 
in  his  maturer  years  he  made  grateful  mention  of  the  careful  train- 
ing of  that  home  where  the  supreme  object  of  life  was  to  glorify 
God. 

The  Rev.  E.  W.  Stoddard,  D.D.,  was  a  descendant  of  Anthony 
Stoddard  of  Boston,  who,  in  1639,  emigrated  from  London  where 
the  records  of  the  family  are  traced  back  to  1490.  The  tradition 
is  that  their  ancestor  came  with  his  cousin,  William  the  Conqueror, 
from  Normandy  in  1066.  The  name  Stoddard  is  derived  from  the 
office  of  standard-bearer,  and  a  large  number  of  gospel  ministers 
honored  the  name  of  "Standard-bearers"  as  ideal  pastors  in  long 
pastorates.  It  might  be  mentioned  here  that  Dr.  Stoddard's  re- 
creation in  the  sixty-one  years  of  active  ministry  was  in  the  line  of 
genealogical  research  and  he  gave  to  his  family  several  volumes  as 
the  result  of  his  study. 

Of  the  descendants  of  the  knight,  William  Stoddard  of  Nor- 
mandy, there  is  a  record  of  Richard  of  Nottingham,  Kent,  near 
Eltham,  about  seven  miles  from  London  Bridge,  where  was  located 
the  family  estate  of  about  four  hundred  acres  which  was  in  possession 
of  the  family  in  1490, — how  long  before  is  not  known, — and  it 
continued  until  the  death  of  Nicholas  Stoddard,  a  bachelor,  in  1765. 

Anthony  Stoddard  emigrated  to  Boston  about  1639.  There 
were  fourteen  children  in  his  family.  The  eldest,  Solomon,  born 

5 


6  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

in  1643,  was  educated  at  Harvard  College,  graduating  in  1662.  He 
entered  the  ministry  and  was  called,  in  1669,  to  the  church  at  North- 
ampton, Massachusetts,  where  he  married  Mrs.  Esther  Mather, 
the  widow  of  his  predecessor.  They  had  twelve  children.  Of 
these  the  oldest  three  were  daughters  and  married  ministers.  The 
second,  Esther,  became  the  wife  of  Rev.  Timothy  Edwards, 
whose  son,  Jonathan  Edwards,  became  well  known  as  a  theological 
writer. 

The  seventh  child,  Anthony  Stoddard,  was  born  August  9, 
1678,  was  graduated  at  Harvard  in  1697,  and  settled  as  a  minister 
in  Woodbury,  Connecticut,  where  he  continued  for  sixty  years. 
His  predecessor  had  remained  there  forty  years,  and  his  successor 
held  the  pastorate  fifty  years.  Eliakim,  one  of  the  eleven  children 
of  Anthony  Stoddard,  was  born  April  3,  1705,  married  Joanne  Cur- 
tis in  1729,  and  resided  in  Woodbury,  Connecticut.  John,  the 
eldest  son  of  nine  children,  born  January  26,  1730,  was  married 
April  15,  1751,  to  Mary  Atwood,  and  resided  in  Watertown, 
Connecticut. 

John,  the  fifth  child  of  nine,  born  July  I,  1763,  married  Sarah 
Woodward  in  1785.  Their  home  was  in  Watertown,  Connecticut, 
until  1802,  when  they  removed  to  Coventry,  Chenango  County, 
New  York. 

Central  New  York  was  then  almost  an  unbroken  wilderness, 
famous  for  its  large  pine,  hemlock,  and  maple  trees.  The  fathers 
and  sons  of  these  New  England  families  began  the  work  of  clearing 
the  forests.  John,  the  third  son  and  fourth  child  of  nine,  was  born 
July  15,  1794,  and  married  Merab  Parker,  in  September,  1817. 
They  had  seven  children. 

Elijah  Woodward  Stoddard,  the  second  son,  was  born  April  23, 
1820.  His  first  view  of  life  was  on  a  forest  farm,  and  during  all  his 
minority  the  clearing  of  new  land  was  a  part  of  each  day's  toil. 
The  log  houses  and  the  log  schoolhouses  were  to  be  seen  in  all 
directions.  The  seats  of  the  schoolroom  were  slabs  of  pine  logs, 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH  7 

with  two  oaken  pins  at  each  end  for  support.  The  writing-desk 
was  a  smooth  board  fastened  against  the  wall  and  the  writer  turned 
his  back  to  the  school.  The  pupils  usually  recited  singly,  rarely 
in  classes.  The  blackboard  for  object  teaching  was  not  known. 
School  going  was  for  three  or  four  months  in  the  winter,  and  a  lady 
teacher  took  charge  of  the  small  scholars  in  the  summer.  Books 
were  few  and  every  child  was  needed  in  the  daily  toil.  Fondness 
for  study  alone  could  insure  success,  and  Elijah  Woodward  gave 
every  moment  of  leisure  to  the  acquisition  of  knowledge.  The 
Bible  was  emphatically  the  book  in  that  Christian  household,  and 
the  lad  was  taught  that  "the  fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  beginning  of 
wisdom."  At  the  age  of  twelve  he  united  with  the  disciples  of 
Him  who  at  that  age  commenced  to  teach  in  the  temple. 

At  eighteen  such  mastery  of  the  ordinary  English  branches  as 
enabled  him  to  pass  an  examination  permitted  the  beginning  of 
school- teaching.  Here  was  enjoyed  a  privilege  at  this  day  unknown, 
that  of  "boarding  around."  Such  a  knowledge  of  parents  and 
teachers  was  thus  gained  as  cannot  be  under  the  present  system. 
Five  winters  were  spent  in  teaching,  the  summers  being  passed  at 
home.  The  summers  of  1844  and  1845  were  spent  at  Norwich  and 
Oxford  Academies,  while  in  the  winters  he  taught  school  in  the 
county  districts. 

It  is  interesting  to  note  from  his  diaries  that  he  was  working 
for  Temperance  even  in  those  early  days. 

While  developing  his  wonderful  voice  for  future  serving  in 
speaking  and  singing,  he  was  active  in  social  and  religious  work, 
manifesting  that  all  roundness  that  was  to  make  him  so  useful  as 
a  citizen,  a  teacher,  a  preacher,  as  well  as  a  pastor,  the  keynote  of 
it  all  being  expressed  in  the  prayer,  "O  Lord,  give  me  wisdom," 
and  "Let  everything  be  done  for  Thy  glory." 

In  September,  1845,  he  started  for  Amherst  College.  The  first 
one  hundred  and  fifty  miles  was  by  a  four-horse  stage-coach,  after 
which  there  was  eighty  miles  to  complete  by  railroad. 


8  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

The  Class  had  thirty-two  members,  many  of  them  becoming 
eminent  as  theologians  and  teachers;  one,  Prof.  Wm.  J.  Rolfe, 
of  Shakesperian  fame,  another,  Professor  Seely,  a  later  president 
of  Amherst  College,  and  Dr.  Hitchcock,  one  of  its  most  honored 
professors.  Still  others  were  missionaries  in  Africa  and  in  China. 
Nearly  all  of  them  have  been  called  to  their  reward. 

After  three  years  in  Union  Theological  Seminary,  Dr.  Stoddard 
was  licensed  to  preach  by  the  Third  Presbytery  of  New  York  City, 
and  ordained  by  the  same  Presbytery,  in  June  following,  in  the 
Presbyterian  Church  at  Fourteenth  Street  and  Second  Avenue. 

He  was  married  July,  1852,  to  Miss  Eliza  West  Concklin  of  New 
York.  For  many  years  an  invalid,  but  devoted  to  the  Master's 
work  until  called  away  October  23,  1874,  she  was  laid  to  rest  by 
her  baby  boy  in  the  Nyack  cemetery. 

Dr.  Stoddard  commenced  his  ministerial  work  at  Momence, 
Illinois,  as  a  Home  Missionary,  but  the  climate  was  uncongenial  and 
he  removed  to  Hawley,  Pa.,  where  he  labored  three  years,  and  after- 
ward in  Amenia  four  and  a  half  years,  and  in  Angelica  four  years, 
until  May,  1864,  he  came  to  the  Presbyterian  Church  at  Succasunna 
where  he  was  installed  Pastor,  June  30,  1865. 

The  students  of  this  parish  also  benefited  by  his  love  of  teaching, 
as  they  pursued  their  Latin  or  Greek  or  mathematics,  finding 
helpful  hours  in  the  Pastor's  study. 

In  September,  1880,  Maryville  College,  of  East  Tennessee, 
conferred  upon  him  the  unexpected  degree  of  D.D.,  while  those 
who  know  him  best  feel  that  it  was  an  honor  given  where  honor 
was  due.  His  faithful  ministrations  have  given  a  title  to  that 
heart  reverence  that  has  no  synonym  in  letters. 

If  we  were  to  note  some  of  the  characteristics  of  the  man  at 
work,  we  would  say,  an  intense  love  of  delving  into  the  depths  of 
a  subject,  which  inspires  to  thorough  research;  a  willingness  to 
undertake  any  hard  work  in  the  line  of  duty  and  follow  it  to  the 
end;  a  practical  remembrance  of  the  commission,  "Feed  my  sheep" 


DR.   STODDARD.   MOTH  ER,  SISTER    AND     WIFE 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH  9 

a  desire  to  spend  and  be  spent  in  service ;  a  faith  that  overcomes 
the  world  in  its  every-day  toils  and  trials  and  gives  abiding  peace ;  a 
steadfastness  in  purpose  that  proves  the  anchorage  of  hope;  a 
courtesy  that  illustrates  the  charity  that  never  f aileth ;  an  equipoise 
that  will  restrain  from  an  impetuous  assault  on  the  enemy,  but  that 
holds,  and  guards',  and  moves  steadily  forward. 

On  November  28,  1877,  Dr.  Stoddard  was  married  to  Mrs.  Eliza 
Platt  Stoddard,  the  widow  of  Prof.  John  F.  Stoddard,  the  famous 
mathematician  and  author.  A  daughter  of  eight  years,  familiarly 
called  Linnet,  came  with  her  mother  and  for  eight  more  years  was 
the  light  of  the  parsonage,  being  called  away  May  19,  1886. 

On  May  19,  1887,  the  corner-stone  of  the  Memorial  chapel 
was  laid,  and  on  May  19,  1888,  this  chapel  was  dedicated  and  it 
has  since  been  of  great  service  to  the  social  and  religious  develop- 
ment of  the  community. 

In  another  place  more  will  be  said  of  the  Sunday-school,  which 
was  his  joy  and  pride,  in  which  he  had  few  peers,  of  the  Singing- 
school  that  he  taught  in  the  absence  of  helpers,  of  the  Boys'  Brigade, 
and  their  drills  and  receptions,  of  the  educational  lectures,  illustrated 
by  stereopticon,  giving  his  own  journeys  abroad  as  well  as  pictures 
of  the  art  and  architecture  and  scenery  of  many  lands,  which  he 
shared  also,  with  many  of  the  churches  of  the  State,  and  even  beyond 
its  limits.  But  nothing  was  dearer  to  his  heart  than  the  neighbor- 
hood prayer-meetings.  He  would  drive  miles  away  in  every  kind 
of  weather  to  meet  the  circles  of  prayer,  in  the  schoolhouse  or 
home. 

Becoming  thus  intimately  acquainted  with  the  life  of  the  people 
in  all  its  activities,  reaching  out  into  other  parishes  where  there  was 
union  effort  or  a  call  for  assistance  in  special  work,  Dr.  Stoddard 
was  prepared  to  write  up  the  township  of  Roxbury  for  the  History 
of  Morris  County  in  1882. 

He  also  prepared  a  Historical  Memorial  for  his  own  church  on 
its  one  hundred  and  thirty-ninth  anniversary  in  1895. 


io  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

Diligent  study,  patient  research,  a  large  correspondence,  and 
personal  investigation  gave  the  work  its  value.  But  nothing  was 
ever  permitted  to  interfere  with  the  regular  pastoral  duties. 

Ordinarily  a  new  sermon  was  prepared  every  week  which  studied 
the  needs  of  the  hour,  and  revealed  a  man  not  only  conversant 
with  the  Word  of  God,  but  with  the  records  of  an  age  of  progress 
and  development  that  called  for  an  intelligent  answer  to  its  problems 
in  daily  life. 

In  all  his  relations  with  his  Presbytery  and  with  Christian  work 
in  outside  circles,  there  was  the  same  steadfastness  of  purpose  and 
consecration  of  time  and  whole-heartedness  of  service. 

Thus  he  was  indeed  a  Shepherd  that  was  always  vigilant  and 
faithful.  In  his  work  among  his  young  people  he  was  continually 
renewing  his  youth,  and  he  had  many  honors  as  he  made  one  with 
them  in  the  Junior  gatherings  of  the  great  Conventions. 

In  July,  1911,  at  Atlantic  City,  he  was  called  to  the  platform  to 
stand  with  Fanny  Crosby,  who  alluded  to  him  as  her  twin  brother, 
she  being  only  thirty  days  older,  and  even  as  late  as  October  14, 
1913,  from  the  meeting  in  Camden,  New  Jersey,  came  the  message  of 
greeting  and  congratulations  and  best  wishes  with  this  Scripture, 
Ephesians  iii,  17,  18,  19.  At  the  General  Assembly  in  1911,  also 
at  Atlantic  City,  with  his  beloved  Brother  Phraner,  he  was  accorded 
the  freedom  of  the  platform,  a  graceful  appreciation  of  years  of 
service.  At  the  dedication  of  the  New  Theological  Seminary  in 
New  York,  November  29,  1910,  he  had  a  seat  of  honor  and  every 
courtesy  was  shown  to  the  oldest  Alumnus,  and  also  at  the  Waldorf- 
Astoria  in  the  evening,  where  he  was  the  guest  of  the  President, 
but  he  always  esteemed  himself  simply  a  servant  of  the  Lord. 

His  one  ambition,  expressed  in  his  diary  while  at  Norwich 
Academy,  and  which  was  the  inspiration  of  his  life,  was  embodied  in 
his  last  message:  "Let  everything  be  done  for  the  glory  of  God." 
His  ideals  were  so  high,  so  pure,  so  Christlike,  that  one  said  of 
him:  "The  portrait  of  the  Christ  was  imprinted  by  the  indwelling 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH  11 

spirit  on  the  features  of  the  face."  And  it  was  not  an  isolated 
experience  for  the  Pastor  was  once  told  by  one  of  his  sick  people: 
"Your  visits  do  me  so  much  good;  you  look  to  me  so  like  Christ. 
I  feel  His  presence  when  you  come."  And  often  by  strangers :  "You 
remind  me  of  John  the  Baptist  or  one  of  the  Patriarchs." 

Even  a  Syrian  woman  asked  Mrs.  Dr.  Jessup,  with  whom  Dr. 
Stoddard  had  attended  the  Mission  church,  "Was  that  the  Prophet 
Elijah?"  How  truly,  "They  that  honor  Me  I  will  honor." 

On  October  I4th,  realizing  that  he  was  not  long  to  stay  with  us, 
he  said  in  his  clear,  calm  manner,  in  a  strong,  sweetly  intoned  voice 
with  its  peculiar  emphasis:  "Mamma,  I  am  going  away.  lam 
going  to  Jesus.  I  am  going  home."  In  answer  to  the  question, 
"Going  without  Mamma?"  he  said:  "Your  work  is  not  done.  By 
and  by  you  will  come  to  me  and  we  will  be  together  again."  In 
response  to  the  protest  of  love  he  said:  "I  have  prayed  that  you  may 
have  grace  and  wisdom  for  your  heavy  care.  I  know  that  the 
waters  will  be  deep,  very  deep,  but  they  will  not  overflow." 

The  mouth  of  the  Lord  hath  spoken.  Isaiah  xliii,  I,  2,  and 
Isaiah  xli,  10,  were  repeated,  and  again  he  said:  "I  wanted  to  live 
and  work  but  I  am  going  Home."  In  a  moment  more  he  added: 
"I  want  Jesus  to  be  with  me  to  my  latest  breath,  and  then  I  want 
that  breath  to  enter  into  your  life  to  carry  on  my  work."  And 
after  seeming  to  study  the  inevitable  needs  of  the  hour  as  to  a  service, 
he  said:  "Let  everything  be  done  for  God's  glory." 

Considering  that  this  message  belonged  to  his  people,  it  was 
printed  for  them  as  given  on  an  earlier  page. 

A  message  was  dictated  to  his  people  on  his  last  Sabbath  and 
also  to  his  Sunday-school.  There  were  frequent  requests,  all 
relating  to  his  going  home,  and  when,  sweetly  and  gently,  God  took 
him,  we  knew  that  absent  from  the  body  he  was  present  with  the 
Lord.  We  let  him  rest  in  his  study  the  three  days  of  waiting  and 
on  Sabbath,  November  2d,  early  in  the  morning  the  family  gathered 
there  for  prayer.  About  nine  o'clock  he  was  taken  to  the  parlor. 


12  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

Members  of  the  Presbytery  came,  his  dearly  loved  friend,  Dr. 
J.  M.  Buckley  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  Dr.  Charles  A.  Stoddard,  of 
New  York,  the  neighboring  ministers  who  had  closed  their  churches 
in  his  honor,  and  a  large  delegation  of  relatives  and  friends  from  the 
city,  and  the  Rev.  Robert  E.  Zeigler  and  mother  from  Baltimore, 
Maryland. 

Rev.  Robert  E.  Zeigler  read  the  Scripture  at  the  house,  and  Rev. 
John  Bovenizer  led  in  prayer.  As  Mrs.  Zeigler  describes  the  going 
out  from  the  parsonage  to  the  church,  I  quote  from  her  letter: 

"Never  was  the  work  of  the  minister  so  exalted,  so  glorified, 
in  my  mind  as  on  that  Sabbath.  All  the  time  I  kept  saying  to  my- 
self, 'The  white  flower  of  a  blameless  life.'  He  wore  it  every  day 
and  in  the  midst  of  common  strife.  He  was  calm  and  serene  alway. 
His  influence  in  the  community,  the  effect  of  his  personality,  proved, 
'In  quietness  and  confidence  shall  be  your  strength.' ' 

I  seem  to  see  again  the  perfect  day  for  which  nature  seemed 
to  have  reserved  the  richest  colors  of  the  autumn.  In  a  silence 
unbroken  only  by  the  tolling  of  the  bell  that  had  called  him  to  fifty 
years  of  service  in  the  historic  church,  the  triumphant  procession,— 
not  the  funeral  procession, — took  its  way  from  the  manse,  first  his 
brethren  in  the  ministry,  and  one  who  had  been  his  son  in  the  faith, 
then  the  Elders,  a  body-guard  to  the  man  of  God  who  had  endured 
valiantly  to  the  end.  Above  the  voice  of  song  and  organ,  I  could 
almost  hear  the  triumphal-like  proclamation:  "Victory!  Victory! 
and  the  victor  cometh  to  his  coronation!"  The  note  of  sadness 
was  for  the  living,  and  never  was  a  church  more  encircled  with  real 
grief  than  when  Dr.  Stoddard 's  people  gathered  with  their  tributes 
of  grateful  love  on  that  day  of  days  in  the  history  of  the  church  of 
Succasunna. 

That  historic  church,  overflowing  with  mourners,  was  decorated 
with  palms  and  floral  offerings,  and  the  beloved  Pastor  rested 
among  the  choicest  blossoms  that  so  well  expressed  the  love  of  his 
people,  of  every  organization  of  the  church  and  the  community. 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH  13 

At  the  church  the  services  were  introduced  by  Dr.  J.  M.  Buckley, 
by  an  impressive  invocation,  Rev.  H.  M.  .Dare,  of  Ledgewood,  gave 
Scripture  readings,  and  prayer  was  offered  by  Rev.  T.  A.  Gessler. 
The  funeral  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  Dr.  D.  R.  Frazer.  Rev. 
R.  E.  Zeigler  read  selections  from  letters  of  sympathy.  The  sermon 
and  selections  will  be  given  elsewhere.  Dr.  Charles  A.  Stoddard,  a 
kinsman  and  lifelong  friend  of  the  departed,  paid  the  tribute  of  the 
Stoddard  clan.  The  male  quartette  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
tenderly  sang  a  number  of  selections,  among  which  were :  "Beyond 
the  Smiling  and  the  Weeping  We  Shall  Be  Soon,"  and  "The 
Christian's  Good-night." 

When  the  opportunity  was  given,  those  who  had  not  been  at  the 
house,  came  for  the  last  look  and  the  unspoken  word,  and  over  five 
hundred  passed  in  that  solemn  procession,  and  then  we  went  out 
to  lay  the  precious  form  to  rest  in  God's  acre,  where  the  stone  bears 
the  record  that  will  ever  repeat  the  story  of  his  life  as  given  on  his 
last  birthday. 


POEM  FOR  THE  NINETY-FOURTH  BIRTHDAY 

The  Lord  is  my  Shepherd,  the  voice  of  the  child 
Can  join  with  the  mother  and  those  at  her  side 
In  the  beautiful  story  that  never  grows  old, 
By  her  lips  and  her  life,  at  the  hearthstone,  retold. 

The  Lord  is  my  Shepherd,  the  lad  in  the  home 
Learned  more  of  its  beauty  and  made  it  his  own, 
The  rod  and  the  staff  that  had  guided  his  youth 
Were  preparing  the  life  to  be  valiant  for  truth. 

The  Lord  is  my  Shepherd,  to  Him  I  belong, 

Was  the  pride  of  his  manhood,  because  he  was  strong 

He  asked  of  the  Shepherd  a  life  work  to  keep 

A  watch  care  with  Him  of  His  lambs  and  His  sheep. 

The  Lord  is  my  Shepherd  was  still  the  refrain 
Of  each  Birthday  Anthem,  until  once  again 
Amid  ninety-four  roses  and  flowers  of  each  clime 
These  Birthday  Bells  sounded  their  ninety-fourth  chime 
As  the  Patriarch  spoke  of  the  blessings  of  yore 
And  the  brighter  reunions  of  that  other  shore. 

But  before  that  new  year  could  its  circle  complete 
The  Shepherd  had  gone  to  the  ingathered  sheep 
In  the  pastures  beyond,  where  the  fold  will  be  one 
As  the  flocks  on  both  sides  will  at  last  meet  at  home. 

15 


16  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

And  there  may  we  welcome  with  all  of  this  fold 
Some  who  followed  the  footprints  in  pathways  of  old, 
While  our  work  shall  go  on  as  the  trust  we  confide 
While  we  rest  with  our  Shepherd,  our  guardian,  and  guide. 

E.  A.  S. 


1874 
AND  ITS  MOST  EVENTFUL  DATE  OCTOBER  230 

IN  MEMORIAM 
MRS.  ELIZA  WEST  STODDARD 

"I  have  chosen  thee  in  the  furnace  of  affliction, "  said  the  Lord, 
by  the  Prophet  of  old,  and  engirdling  the  ages,  a  band  of  sufferers 
bring  interpretations  of  truth,  inspirations  to  holy  living,  and 
illustrations  of  the  beauty  and  the  power  of  faith.  A  brief  record 
of  the  life  of  "our  Sufferer"  may  convey  a  message  to  kindred  and 
friends. 

ELIZA  WEST  CONCKLIN,  daughter  of  the  late  Jonas  W.  and 
Eliza  Concklin,  was  born  in  New  York  City,  April  the  26th,  1829, 
and  educated  in  the  Young  Ladies'  Institute  of  Misses  Foster  and 
Powers.  At  the  age  of  eighteen  she  united  with  the  Tenth  Presby- 
terian Church, — proving  an  earnest  and  faithful  laborer  in  this  Zion. 
On  July  I4th,  1852,  she  married  the  Rev.  E.  W.  Stoddard,  and  in 
heart  and  in  life  sympathized  with  his  devotion  to  the  Master's 
cause.  Her  plans  for  usefulness,  of  an  active  form,  were  interrupted 
by  illness,  which  began  in  1852,  and  for  twenty-one  years  she  was 
an  invalid — fourteen  of  acute  pain  and  seven  of  paralysis  and  decline. 
Still  whenever  it  was  at  all  practicable  she  was  among  the  wor- 
shippers, and  when  detained  at  home  the  spirit  joined  in  the  service. 
We  read  of  the  "golden  vials  full  of  odors  which  are  the  prayers  of 
saints,"  and  the  blessings  that  flow  from  heart  breathings,  the 
mercies  that  we  receive  through  the  quiet,  retiring  lives  of  God's 
afflicted  ones,  the  benefits  that  are  bequeathed  by  the  hidden  workers 

17 


1 8  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

will  never  be  estimated  by  human  thought.  On  the  very  last 
Sabbath  of  her  earthly  life  the  usual  request  to  accompany  her 
husband  was  expressed  with  peculiar  earnestness;  but  when  con- 
vinced of  her  lack  of  strength,  she  said  brightly:  "If  I  cannot  go 
with  you,  I  can  pray  for  you.  God  will  bless  you;  He  has  said  He 
would."  And  on  the  return  she  queried:  "Did  the  Lord  help 
you? "  and  added,  "I  knew  he  would.  I  prayed."  On  the  Wednes- 
day following  she  was  attacked  by  convulsions,  which  destroyed  all 
consciousness.  She  continued  to  breathe  until  Friday  when  just 
as  the  sun  was  setting  here,  the  dawn  of  her  eternal  life  commenced. 
She  had  often  remarked:  "I  am  only  waiting  till  the  shadows  are 
a  little  longer  grown — only  waiting,"  and  as  they  stretched  far 
eastward  she  was  not,  for  God  had  taken.  Patiently  and  cheer- 
fully she  met  disease  in  its  various  forms;  the  secret  of  her  strength 
being  confidence  in  God,  love  for  Him,  and  for  those  who  anticipated 
the  every  wish.  Her  gratitude  for  the  tenderness  and  care  of  her 
beloved  was  intense  and  touching.  Indeed,  the  influence  of  her 
loving  and  long-suffering  trust  pervaded  the  household,  and  many 
who  came  to  sympathize  felt  that  they  entered  an  ante-chamber 
of  the  home  where  love  reigns  supreme.  She  could  not  work  in  the 
vineyard,  but  she  could  water  the  seed  sown ;  she  could  not  be  care- 
ful about  many  things  but  she  could  sit  at  the  feet  of  Jesus,  and  a 
loving  heart  could  testify  of  His  faithfulness.  She  could  not  go 
about  doing  good,  but  she  could  reflect  the  image  of  her  Lord,  as 
He,  sitting  like  a  refiner,  was  holding  her  in  the  furnace.  She  could 
suffer,  and  thus  honor  Him  by  patient  submission  to  his  will,  while 
she  encouraged  His  people  by  her  sympathy  and  her  prayers.  Thus 
the  branch,  pruned  over  and  over  again,  brought  forth  the  rich 
fruitage  of  soul-affections  and  services.  "She  hath  done  what  she 
could";  and  as  answers  to  heart  petitions  bring  blessings,  we  shall 
realize  more  and  more  the  importance  of  her  work  and  the  reason 
why  it  was  chosen  and  assigned.  Taught  by  its  lessons  may  we 
follow  those  who,  through  faith  and  patience,  have  inherited  the 


IN  MEMORIAM  19 

promises ;  coming  up  out  of  great  tribulation,  into  the  rest  prepared, 
they  dwell  with  Him,  who  was  made  perfect  through  suffering,  and 
entered  into  the  joy  of  their  Lord,  they  realize  that  the  afflictions  of 
earth  are  not  to  be  compared  to  the  eternal  weight  of  glory. 


The  golden  sunbeams  pave 

A  pathway  hedged  with  flowers, 
And  gala  banners  wave, 

As  pass  the  happy  hours 
Of  infant  glee  and  childish  mirth, 
The  morning  of  the  life  of  earth. 

The  girlhood  step  is  light, 
As  graces  circle  round, 
Her  tasks  are  one  delight ; 
Her  ministries  abound. 
And  crowned  by  joys  that  love  may  glean, 
The  noontide,  brilliant  and  serene. 

The  fair  and  cherished  one, 

A  thorny  way  must  tread. 
"Thy  will,  not  mine,  be  done," 

The  trustful  spirit  said; 
In  Him  all  blessedness  I  find, 
For  wisdom  chose  what  love  assigned. 

The  busy  throng  passed  by 

Inviting  to  their  band, 
But  heard  the  calm  reply: 

"The  Master  bade  me  stand 
And  wait  and  watch  the  shadows  grow, 
When  they  are  longest  I  will  go." 


20  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

The  welded  links  of  pain, 

A  message  trace,  as  pressed 
The  heavy  clinging  chain 
Upon  an  aching  breast. 
"  My  child  in  suffering  you  serve, 
Be  patient,  much  is  in  reserve." 

Without  a  murmur,  or  a  sigh, 

For  twenty  years  and  one 
She  waited.     Eventide  drew  nigh; 

The  shadows  lengthened,  and  her  sun 
Behind  the  cloud  had  set  to  rise 
In  morn  Eternal  in  the  skies. 

The  wonderful  beyond ! 

The  glory  and  the  bliss, 
As  faded  every  bond 

That  fettered  thought  in  this, 
The  faculties  of  soul  expand, 
All  mysteries  to  understand. 

The  precious  form  arrayed 

In  robes  of  matchless  grace; 
The  Master's  look  portrayed 

Upon  the  lovely  face. 
What  raptures  must  the  spirit  feel 
As  harp  and  crown  the  welcome  seal. 

The  golden  vials  filled 

With  odors  rich  and  rare, 
From  buds  of  faith  distilled, 

Borne  thence  on  wings  of  prayer, 
Her  work  and  mission  here  on  earth 
Explain,  and  prove  of  priceless  worth. 


IN  MEMORIAM  21 

Her  life  inspired  the  thought 
To  seek  the  things  above, 
And  thus  for  Jesus  wrought 

As  faith,  and  hope,  and  love 
Were  illustrated  hour  by  hour, 
In  simple  beauty,  but  in  power. 

The  sympathy  that  reigned, 

The  tenderness  of  care, 
The  gratitude  it  claimed, 
Developed  graces  here 
That  seldom  bloom  beside  the  hearth — 
Immortal  buds  in  vase  of  earth. 

The  yearning  heart  could  speed 

The  toiler  on  his  way, 
And  tenderly  would  plead 
The  Lord  to  be  his  stay ; 
The  watcher  helped  the  working  one, 
For  what  she  could  was  gladly  done. 

The  earnest,  trustful  cry 
For  Zion  will  be  heard, 
And  answers  from  on  high 

Will  come,  though  long  deferred ; 
The  years  will  bring  the  mercies  new, 
Implored  for  friends  and  strangers  too. 

The  fruits  by  pruning  grown, 

The  gold  refined  by  fire, 
The  seeds  in  patience  sown, 

To  faithfulness  inspire; 
A  rare  bequest  to  us  she  leaves 
More  lasting  than  autumnal  sheaves. 


22  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

This  legacy  would  tell 

In  characters  of  light, 
"He  doeth  all  things  well, 

His  way  is  always  right." 
Our  part  to  serve  for  truth  and  heaven 
As  opportunity  is  given. 

For  by  and  by  a  word 

Will  still  the  throbbing  heart, 
And  homeward  to  its  God 

The  spirit  will  depart ; 
Then  sainted  ones  will  haste  to  guide 
Through  gates  of  pearl  to  Jesus'  side. 


No  sorrow  and  no  care 

Intrude  on  joy's  domain, 
No  partings  rend  the  air, 

No  memory  of  pain, 
But  praise  and  greetings  fond  as  come, 
The  weary  ransomed  pilgrims  home. 

MRS.  J.  F.  STODDARD. 


GLEANINGS  FROM  THE  YEARS 

It  would  be  interesting  to  bind  the  calendars  of  half  a  century, 
marking  dates  of  special  service  together.  Many  of  the  events 
would  have  only  a  local  interest  but  they  would  have  a  message  for 
some  one  of  the  departments  of  work. 


In  March  Dr.  Stoddard  was  sent  by  the  Christian  Commission 
to  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.  The  journal  of  three  months  gives 
pictures  of  camp  and  field  life  that  stir  the  heart  with  gratitude  for 
our  soldier  heroes,  some  of  them  from  our  own  families,  as  Wiggins, 
and  Buck,  many  from  our  county  and  State.  The  Rev.  Samuel 
A.  Stoddard  was  one  in  official  position,  as  well  as  Lieutenant 
Ferdinand  V.  Wolfe  and  Captain  David  S.  Allen. 

1864 

From  the  journal  of  the  Hon.  Hervey  C.  Cook,  one  of  those 
who  welcomed  the  new  Pastor,  we  read:  "Sunday,  May  I,  1864. 
Listened  to  Rev.  Mr.  Stoddard.  Text,  Rom.  iv,  5.  A  very  interest- 
ing and  inspiring  discourse.  Evening  service.  Luke  v,  22.  A  large 
number  out." 

"Sunday,  May  8.  Text,  John  iv,  6.  Evening,  James  i,  2,  3." 
And  the  son  writes  in  1913 :  "My  mind  is  filled  with  memories  of  Dr. 
Stoddard  and  especially  of  the  good  Christmas  times,  when  he  used 
to  make  the  wonderful  story  so  attractive  to  us  all ;  and  the  Sunday- 
school  in  which  his  strong  voice  led  us  in  selections  from  the  5ist 
Psalm,  and  in  the  23rd  Psalm,  and  in  the  Lord's  Prayer.  He  was 

23 


24  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

a  true  Shepherd  of  his  flock  and  they  all  knew  his  voice  and  loved 
to  follow  him  as  he  followed  the  Christ." 

These  selections,  from  an  Autograph  Book  of  Reminiscences 
presented  in  1911,  are  given  to  illustrate  the  earlier  pastorate. 

One  of  the  oldest  members  of  our  congregation  told  this  incident. 
Soon  after  the  new  minister  came  here  he  was  introduced  to  him  on 
the  street.  His  hand  was  taken  cordially  and  this  greeting  given: 
"I  have  not  seen  this  face  yet  in  church."  Sufficient  to  say,  he  did 
many  times  later. 

When  I  first  knew  Dr.  Stoddard,  I  was  much  impressed  by  his 
memory  of  faces  and  names.  It  seemed  wonderful  when  I  heard 
him  call  every  child  in  Sunday-school  by  name. 

Another  recalls  the  hearty,  "God  bless  you,  girls,"  that  greeted 
a  young  friend  and  herself  as  they  went  to  shake  hands  with  the 
new  Pastor.  Each  Sunday  since,  after  a  helpful  sermon,  the  same 
hearty  greeting  has  been  given,  only  the  form  has  changed,  for  alas ! 
the  "girls"  have  long  ceased  to  be  girls. 

In  the  long  ago  I  recall  a  prayer-meeting  at  a  schoolhouse 
of  a  village  some  distance  from  the  home  church,  where  the  company 
gathered  to  find  the  house  not  lighted,  and  no  one  present  had  a 
match.  Following  our  leader,  in  the  dark,  we  found  seats  and 
joined  in  singing  a  familiar  hymn.  Prayer  was  offered,  a  portion 
of  Scripture  recited,  a  good  practical  talk  by  our  ever- ready  Pastor, 
then  another  prayer;  and  the  hymn,  "Let  us  Walk  in  the  Light" 
closing  the  service,  everyone  feeling  a  new  light  in  the  soul,  though 
all  was  dark  outside. 

I  shall  never  forget  the  comfort  I  received  from  a  prayer  Dr. 
Stoddard  made  with  just  a  few  of  us  in  our  own  home  in  time  of 
deep  sorrow. 


GLEANINGS  FROM  THE  YEARS  25 

Sunday  afternoon  services  at  Ironia  are  remembered  by  those 
who  have  had  the  opportunity  of  listening  to  Dr.  Stoddard's  ser- 
mons. To  his  help  and  counsel  can  be  attributed  much  of  the 
spiritual  uplift  and  temporal  prosperity  that  has  come  to  that  group 
of  worshippers. 

Our  dear  Pastor's  life  among  us  has  been  a  benediction  since 
the  time  when  as  little  children  he  always  gave  the  sympathetic, 
kindly  greeting,  down  to  the  present  time  when  he  baptizes  our 
children  and  rejoices  with  us  as  they  are  gathered  into  the  church. 
No  one  on  earth  has  done  so  much  to  lead  us  into  eternal  life. 

The  young,  energetic,  indefatigable,  sympathetic  man  was  the 
life  of  his  Sunday-school  and  of  his  church.  One  of  the  scholars 
of  those  olden  times  said:  "Dr.  Stoddard  was  the  most  earnest 
worker  in  the  Sunday-school  I  ever  knew."  When  once  a  month 
the  Pastor  was  at  Ironia,  the  school  here  seemed  to  miss  something, 
and  one  said:  "The  only  way  to  know  what  the  school  is  in  your 
absence  is  to  be  there  when  you  are  not  there." 

When  I  was  a  child  attending  school  I  remember  Dr.  Stoddard's 
bringing  some  early  cherries,  gathered  from  the  trees  in  the  parson- 
age yard,  to  treat  the  children,  and  what  a  treat  it  was !  I  remember 
too,  as  he  was  driving  black  John,  he  would  always  wave  his  hand  in 
recognition,  or  if  walking  would  stop  and  have  something  to  say  to 
show  his  interest. 

In  the  fall  of  1875, 1»  a  young  lad,  a  stranger,  and  away  from  all 
my  own  people,  went  one  Sunday  evening  to  church.  Dr.  Stoddard 
greeted  me  and,  after  ascertaining  my  name,  asked,  "Are  you  a 
Christian?"  When  I  replied  I  was  not,  he  put  his  soft  hand  on 
my  head  and  said:  "Don't  you  think  you  ought  to  be?"  and  I  said, 
"Yes,  sir."  For  twenty-seven  years  now  I  have  been  a  member  of 
the  church. 


26  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

I  remember  that  Dr.  Stoddard  was  always  ready  in  giving  a 
boy  a  ride  to  school. 

My  first  church  going  was  at  Succasunna  and  Dr.  Stoddard  the 
first  minister  my  eyes  ever  beheld.  With  the  respect  I  was  taught 
to  have  for  the  church,  the  minister  seemed  to  me  a  sort  of  Divinity 
in  my  early  years.  I  was  always  highly  pleased  to  have  him  shake 
hands  with  me  and  show  his  pleasure  in  seeing  me  at  church.  On 
one  occasion  a  Bible  having  fallen  on  the  floor  it  was  given  a  kick 
by  a  thoughtless  boy.  The  reverent  manner  in  which  Dr.  Stod- 
dard picked  it  up,  brushed  it,  and  put  it  in  a  safe  place,  at  the  same 
time  administering  reproof  and  looking  shocked  beyond  measure, 
made  an  impression  upon  me  never  to  be  forgotten.  In  later  years, 
when  in  his  Bible  Class,  I  was  impressed  by  the  fresh  interest  which 
he  always  brought  to  the  lesson  making  the  period  only  too  short 
to  cover  the  portion  of  Scripture  chosen. 

Aside  from  his  goodness,  I  admire  most  Dr.  Stoddard's  wonderful 
dignity,  both  in  the  pulpit  and  out  of  it.  One  never  forgets  he  is 
a  clergyman.  Yet  he  can  and  does  take  notice  of  the  smallest  or 
meanest.  No  little  child  can  pass  him  without  receiving  a  wave 
of  his  hand  and  a  smile. 

We  were  going  to  the  Lake  on  canal  boats.  When  we  reached  the 
plane  some  of  the  boys  jumped  off  the  boat  and  started  to  run 
up  the  tow  path,  some  one  called  them  back,  but  Dr.  Stoddard 
said:  "Young  activity — what  are  you  going  to  do  with  it? — Let 
it  run." 

At  a  time  when  about  to  take  a  position  of  great  responsibility 
and  shrinking  from  it,  I  told  Dr.  Stoddard  about  it,  and  he  said: 
"Just  keep  saying,  I  will!  I  will!  I  will!  and  you  will  be  given  help 
to  go  on." 


REPRESENTATIVE  TRIBUTES  27 

He  loves  to  have  the  children  at  the  church  service,  and  greets 
each  one  cordially.  Even  the  babies  are  welcomed  by  him.  The 
children  on  the  street  take  his  hand  and  walk  with  him. 

He  is  the  best  knot-tier  there  has  ever  been  in  this  community. 
He  tied  one  for  me  thirty-nine  years  ago  and  it  hasn't  slipped  yet. 

When  he  performs  a  marriage  ceremony  his  dignity  makes  the 
vows  seem  more  binding;  while  at  the  baptism  of  little  children  he 
makes  the  service  very  impressive.  He  married  my  mother,  he 
married  me,  and  baptized  my  children.  No  wonder  the  tie  that 
binds  is  so  strong. 

A  lady  walking  with  a  five  months  old  boy,  was  asked  the  old, 
old  question:  "Why  do  you  not  come  to  church?"  She  replied, 
"  Oh,  I  would  like  to ;  my  husband  is  in  church  now  and  I  am  waiting 
for  him."  "But  why  don't  you  come  inside  and  bring  the  boy?" 
"I  am  afraid  I  will  annoy  the  rest  of  the  congregation  as  the  baby 
may  cry."  The  reply  came  moderately  but  decidedly:  "You  may 
perhaps  disturb  the  people,  but  you  can't  bother  the  sermon  with 
one  boy.  I  never  complain  until  there  are  seventeen  babies  all  crying 
at  once,  and  then  I  would  have  to  stop." 

Two  boys  were  so  busily  engaged  in  beating  each  other  that  they 
did  not  notice  the  approach  of  the  Pastor.  His  quiet,  "Boys,  can 
I  help  you?"  broke  up  the  fight  at  once. 

A  saying  of  Dr.  Stoddard's  that  has  been  helpful  to  me  is: 
"Remember  that  the  darker  the  place  you  are  in,  the  brighter  your 
light  will  shine,  if  it  is  the  true  light." 

A  young  lad  had  gone  to  help  his  Pastor  with  the  chores.  He 
neither  desired  nor  expected  any  remuneration,  but  the  Pastor 
said,  handing  him  a  bill:  "I  want  you  to  go  to  the  Centennial  and 
this  is  something  toward  it."  He  now  says:  "If  it  had  not  been 
for  Dr.  Stoddard  I  would  not  have  gone  to  the  Centennial." 


28  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

He  has  been  a  faithful  Pastor  to  me  for  many  years.  Nothing 
is  ever  too  much  trouble  for  him  to  take  for  his  people. 

In  looking  over  my  life,  I  am  surprised  to  see  what  an  influence 
Dr.  Stoddard  has  had  over  me. 

One  who  visits  here  writes:  "I  really  think  I  have  a  greater 
affection  for  Dr.  Stoddard  than  for  any  minister  I  ever  knew,  and 
it  is  so  good  to  see  him  in  his  accustomed  place  each  time  I  come." 

In  all  entertainments  given  in  the  church,  our  Pastor  has  always 
taught  us  a  reverence  for  God's  house  by  asking  God's  blessing 
upon  the  exercises. 

I  remember  that  during  the  long  ministry  of  Dr.  Stoddard 
in  this  parish,  our  minds  were  never  diverted  from  the  truth  by 
a  word  in  the  pulpit  of  frivolity  or  levity.  Nor  have  I  ever  heard 
him  make  an  unkind  remark  when  speaking  of  any  person,  or  criti- 
cize any  one  even  though  he  could  have  justly  done  so.  Truly  a 
peacemaker. 

"  A  man  he  was  to  all  the  country  dear." 

"  To  them  his  heart,  his  love,  his  griefs,  were  given, 
But  all  his  serious  thoughts  had  rest  in  heaven : 
As  some  tall  cliff  that  lifts  its  awful  form, 
Swells  from  the  vale,  and  midway  leaves  the  storm, 
Though  round  its  breast  the  rolling  clouds  are  spread, 
Eternal  sunshine  settles  on  its  head." 

It  is  the  desire  of  those  who  have  gathered  together  these  remi- 
niscences of  their  honored  Pastor  and  his  work  in  Succasunna 
that  his  mind  may  be  refreshed  by  the  memory  of  by-gone  years; 
that  he  may  learn  in  some  instances  perhaps  of  impressions  made 


REPRESENTATIVE  TRIBUTES  29 

for  which  he  has  hoped  and  prayed  but  of  which  he  had  not  certain 
knowledge.  We  have  been  able  to  express  so  little  of  what  we  feel. 

You  have  been  OURS  in  our  times  of  joy  and  in  all  our  sorrows 
you  have  suffered  with  us.  Truly  you  have  been  a  shepherd  that 
cared  for  his  sheep.  Each  passing  year  only  adds  a  strand  that 
strengthens  the  blessed  cord  "that  binds  our  hearts  in  Christian 
love." 

"The  Lord  bless  thee,  and  keep  thee:  The  Lord  make  his  face 
to  shine  upon  thee,  and  be  gracious  unto  thee.  The  Lord  lift  up 
his  countenance  upon  thee,  and  give  thee  peace." 


1878 

Eighteen  hundred  seventy-eight  was  a  most  memorable  year  in 
the  history  of  Succasunna  and  in  the  life  of  the  Pastor.  One  of 
the  most  helpful  and  beloved  children  of  the  church,  Miss  Hattie 
Riggs,  a  daughter  of  Elder  Albert  R.  Riggs,  having  been  married 
to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Joseph  L.  Potter  of  Teheran,  Persia,  started  on  her 
mission  to  the  East.  Dr.  Potter  was  born  February  22,  1848. 
After  graduating  from  Princeton  University  and  Princeton  Theo- 
logical Seminary,  he  was  ordained  and  assigned  to  Teheran,  Persia, 
and  when  he  came  for  his  bride  in  1878,  the  entire  community  felt 
that  they  were  giving  of  their  best  to  the  Orient. 

The  community,  in  their  reception  at  the  parsonage  and  at  the 
farewell  service  in  the  church,  expressed  a  little  of  what  was  in  its 
heart  of  hearts. 

We  insert  one  of  the  hymns  prepared  for  the  occasion,  and 
one  for  their  first  return  visit. 

If  our  mission  be  to  carry 

Messages  across  the  sea, 
If  the  Master  bid  us  tarry, 

Wisdom  is  in  each  decree ; 
Only  lead  us, 

We  desire  to  follow  Thee. 

We  are  one  in  holy  service, 

One  in  Christ  on  either  shore, 
One  with  angel  friends  who  point  us 
Onward,  upward  evermore, 

One  in  service, 
One  in  Christ  forevermore. 
30 


DR.  AND  MRS.  POTTER  31 

Thus  inspired  to  new  endeavor 

By  the  love  of  Earth  and  Heaven, 
Absent,  yet  we  work  together, 

Christian  ties  are  never  riven ; 
Near  to  Jesus, 

Near  His  loved  of  Earth  and  Heaven. 

When  shall  end  the  toil,  and  watching, 

Joys  beyond  the  touch  of  time, 
An  eternity  of  meeting 
Waits  us  in  a  fairer  clime, 

And  rejoicings 
O'er  the  gathered  sheaves  of  time. 

E.  A.  S. 

They  that  be  wise  shall  shine  as  the  brightness  of  the  firmament;  and  they  that 
turn  many  to  righteousness,  as  the  stars  forever  and  ever. — Dan.  xii,  3. 

My  presence  shall  go  with  thee,  and  I  will  give  thee  rest. — Ex.  xxxiii,  14. 
At  the  time  appointed  he  shall  return. — Dan.  xi,  29. 

"My  presence  shall  go  with  thee 

And  I  will  give  thee  rest" ; 
The  Master  planned  the  journey 

To  Eastern  shore,  or  West, 
He  held  each  hand  at  parting, 

He  walked  each  path  beside, 
Through  varied  scenes,  one  leading, 

One  Omnipresent  Guide. 

"And  at  the  time  appointed 

He  shall  return, "  we  read; 
No  promise  disappointed, 
The  long,  long  years  have  sped, 


32  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

With  welcomes  yet  unspoken, 

We  come  to  thank  the  Lord 
For  every  mercy  token 

And  for  His  faithful  word. 

And  as  we  bring  the  tender 

The  loving  thought  to-day, 
We  bid  you  also  welcome 

For  those  who  are  away ; 
Unseen  they  watch  our  greeting, 
•      They  wait  until  we  come 
With  all  our  loved  ones  meeting 
In  our  eternal  home. 

E.  A.  S. 

Dr.  and  Mrs.  Potter  have  been  welcomed  home  on  visits,  but 
they  are  still  in  active  service,  and  the  faithfulness  of  these  years 
is  doing  much  to  make  up  the  records  of  Persian  Missions. 


UJO 


1 878 
LADIES'   MISSIONARY  SOCIETY 

The  Ladies'  Missionary  Society  was  organized  in  May,  1878, 
as  an  outgrowth  of  the  Missionary  Prayer-Meeting  of  The  Mothers 
in  Israel.  Mrs.  Fordham  Corwin  was  our  first  president,  and  when 
she  was  called  to  the  higher  service  Miss  Henrietta  Meeker,  our 
vice-president,  accepted  the  chair,  and  when  she  was  also  needed 
beyond,  Mrs.  Albert  R.  Riggs  came  to  our  help,  and  we  are  grateful 
to  state  that,  while  she  is  not  in  active  work,  the  benediction  of  her 
presence  is  still  with  us  in  her  ninety-eighth  year. 

Mrs.  Mary  E.  Marsh  followed  in  the  presidency  of  the  Society, 
and  after  a  long  and  useful  term,  at  her  request,  Mrs.  Joseph  L. 
Potter,  of  Teheran,  Persia,  gave  us  the  inspiration  of  a  missionary 
in  'touch  with  the  work. 

Mrs.  N.  H.  Adsit  was  suggested  by  Mrs.  Potter  as  her  successor, 
when  she  returned  to  Persia,  and  chosen  by  the  Society  that  she 
served  faithfully  for  two  years. 

Declining  a  re-election,  Mrs.  Mary  E.  Marsh,  once  more  with  us, 
consented  to  take  up  the  work.  Two  years  ago  at  her  earnest  desire 
she  was  released  and  Mrs.  Wm.  E.  King  was  pressed  into  the  service 
and  enlisted  the  loyal  support  of  the  membership. 

We  have  a  Devotional  Meeting  as  well  as  a  Missionary  Study 
Hour  on  the  first  Thursday  of  every  month  in  the  chapel,  and  an 
all-day  Ladies'  Meeting  at  different  homes. 

The  Home  and  Foreign  Missionary  boxes  sent  during  the  years 
furnishes  the  record  of  these  gatherings. 

One  secretary  has  served  all  these  years — Miss  Lydia  A.  Cook, 
of  Ledge  wood. 

33 


34  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

Two  years  ago  Mrs.  William  Young  was  made  assistant.  Our 
treasurer,  Miss  Anna  Meeker,  still  holds  the  accounts. 

One  of  our  efficient  vice-presidents  who  has  acted  as  president  in 
many  times  of  need — Mrs.  George  A.  Gillig — holds  an  honorary 
life  position. 

The  Silver  Anniversary  of  the  Society  was  celebrated  at  the 
parsonage,  the  favors  being  a  souvenir  spoon  with  the  dates  1878- 
1903. 

The  picture  was  taken  at  the  October  meeting  of  1912,  in  recogni- 
tion of  their  Pastor's  sixty  years  in  the  ministry,  in  the  forty-ninth 
year  of  his  pastorate. 

It  will  be  appropriate  to  state  here  that  Dr.  Stoddard  in  the 
earlier  years  of  the  Society,  called  for  those  living  at  a  distance, 
month  by  month,  Linnet  driving  a  carriage  in  a  different  direction 
on  the  same  errand,  and  later  the  village  stage  was  employed,  return- 
ing their  guests  after  tea  at  the  parsonage,  thus  promoting  the 
social  life  of  the  church  and  uniting  for  service. 

Dr.  Stoddard  was  also  the  escort  by  carriage  or  train  to  the 
Presbyterial  meeting,  at  one  time  relinquishing  an  invitation  that 
was  a  great  personal  honor,  because  he  would  not  leave  the  thirty 
ladies  who  must  reach  home  after  dark.  They  did  not  know  what 
a  pleasure  he  took  in  this  service.  He  never  thought  it  a  sacrifice. 

At  the  December  meeting  of  1879,  the  representatives  of  six 
neighboring  Societies  met  with  our  ladies  at  the  church,  for  a  ser- 
vice of  prayer  and  conference,  and,  after  a  luncheon  in  the  dining- 
room  of  the  parsonage,  they  gathered  in  the  parlors  to  organize 
the  Ladies'  Missionary  Union  in  the  Presbytery  of  Morris  and 
Orange,  which  to-day  calls  for  our  largest  city  churches  for  its 
annual  gatherings. 

At  the  Twenty-fifth  Anniversary  in  Orange,  our  young  ladies 
were  chosen  to  act  as  ushers  to  honor  the  birthplace  of  the  Society. 
And  at  the  celebration  in  December,  when  we  invited  our  Presby- 
terial president  and  neighboring  Societies,  some  of  our  young  people 


o 

a. 
o 

o: 

UJ 


LADIES'  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY  35 

greeted  them  in  the  costumes  of  the  missionary  countries,  presenting 
the  flag  of  each  as  a  souvenir.  And  others  served  in  the  church 
and  at  the  chapel  supper.  Thus  we  celebrated  that  eventful 
twenty-fifth  year. 

It  is  "Twenty-five  Years"  since  a  little  band 
Joined  the  heart  to  heart,  and  the  hand  to  hand, 
That  a  circle  formed  of  their  lamps  alight 
Might  shine  out  afar,  in  the  world's  dark  night. 

Of  these  vanished  years,  with  their  hopes  and  fears, 
With  their  cares  and  toils,  with  their  joys  and  tears, 
The  recording  Angel,  account  has  given 
In  the  Book  we  shall  read  in  the  home  of  Heaven, 
Where  the  Circle  that  joined  their  hands  that  day, 
And  the  Circles  reflecting  the  steadfast  ray, 
In  the  circle  that  widens  to  every  clime 
Will  herald  the  dawn  of  prophetic  time. 
When  the  nations  shall  meet  at  the  open  door, 
With  the  gathered  sheaves  from  each  distant  shore, 
As  uplifted  lamps  have  revealed  the  road, 
And  a  guiding  hand  has  helped  home  to  God. 

E.  A.  S. 


EVENTFUL  DAYS 
1879 

February  7,  1879.  A  Temperance  Alliance  was  organized. 
After  devotional  exercises  Dr.  Stoddard  gave  a  most  able  address  on 
the  "cost  and  come  to"  of  the  liquor  traffic.  Rev.  T.  H.  Landon 
followed  and  Dr.  Stoddard  explained  the  formation  and  work  of 
State,  County,  and  Township  Alliances. 

When  the  question  was  put  to  a  vote  the  people  of  both  churches 
expressed  their  desire  to  unite  in  the  work. 

It  was  resolved  to  hold  temperance  meetings  in  the  various 
neighborhoods  of  the  county. 

Beginning  in  1878,  a  series  of  Union  Temperance  Meetings 
brought  to  this  community  many  of  the  most  noted  leaders  in  the 
work. 

On  one  ever  to  be  remembered  evening,  the  Hon.  Neal  Dow,  of 
Maine,  was  the  guest  at  the  parsonage  as  well  as  the  orator  at 
the  church.  At  another  time  a  large  delegation  went  to  Morris- 
town  to  hear  Dr.  Buckley's  masterful  address,  and  at  another 
date  to  Hackettstown  to  'listen  to  John  B.  Gough,  with  whom 
Dr.  Stoddard  had  formed  acquaintance  while  a  student  at  Am- 
herst,  being  invited  to  the  home  of  the  already  famous  temperance 
lecturer,  a  few  miles  from  Amherst,  and  hearing  his  life  story  from 
his  own  lips. 

The  Rev.  T.  H.  Landon,  then  pastor  of  the  M.  E.  Church  at 
Succasunna,  was  most  enthusiastic  in  this  work;  and  Dr.  Buckley, 
editor  of  the  Christian  Advocate  for  so  many  years,  encouraged  us 
by  his  presence  and  his  interest. 

36 


EVENTFUL  DAYS  37 

Meanwhile  the  ladies  were  active,  and  later  on,  Mrs.  Mary  E. 
Marsh  had  one  of  the  most  flourishing  Union  Junior  Bands. 

We  were  also  encouraged  by  visits  from  missionaries  representing 
almost  all  the  foreign  and  home  fields.  These  gatherings  promoted 
unity  and  strength. 

On  one  occasion,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Irenaeus  Prime,  of  the  New  York 
Observer,  was  the  guest  of  the  Missionary  Society.  After  his  in- 
comparable address  in  the  church,  seventy  ladies  had  lunch  with 
him  at  the  parsonage,  and  then  Dr.  Stoddard,  as  was  his  custom 
and  pleasure,  personally  escorted  to  the  train,  while  the  guest  said, 
"I  must  come  again.  I  have  so  enjoyed  this  visit." 

In  a  week  or  two,  the  Observer  gave  so  beautiful  a  description 
of  the  place  and  the  people,  that  we  received  many  letters  from 
strangers  asking  if  accommodation  could  be  found  for  them  to  board 
in  so  ideal  a  place  for  the  summer. 

This  little  glimpse  of  the  activities  of  all  departments  reveals 
the  Pastor's  unconquerable  ambition  to  secure  the  best  for  his 
people  and  for  the  community. 

Many  of  the  most  prominent  divines  of  the  Baptist  and  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Churches,  as  well  as  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  have  responded  to  the  invitation  of  their  valued  friend  and 
given  sermons  and  lectures  and  inspiration. 

The  beloved  Ira  D.  Sankey  sang  for  us  some  of  his  sweetest 
hymns,  prefaced  by  his  little  heart  talk  of  appreciation  and  love. 

Miss  Fanny  Crosby  honored  our  invitation  when  it  was  one  of 
a  large  number  for  the  same  evening.  As  she  stood  side  by  side 
with  the  one  she  called  her  twin  brother,  because  she  was  only 
thirty  days  older,  she  greeted  Dr.  Stoddard  as  she  did  afterward  at 
Atlantic  City  at  a  Christian  Endeavor  Convention.  Then,  turning 
to  the  audience,  she  captured  their  hearts,  as  they  sat  spell-bound, 
listening  to  her  message  and  her  songs. 

A  part  of  her  little  address  was  directed  to  the  Brigade  seated 
in  the  front  rows  at  her  left.  They  afterward  marched  to  the  plat- 


38  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

form  to  express  their  thanks,  and  the  manly  way  in  which  this  was 
done,  left  so  great  an  impression  that  she  alluded  to  it  in  her  little 
reminiscent  talk  to  Dr.  Stoddard  on  the  platform  at  Atlantic  City. 

Thus  the  indefatigable  energy,  the  unwearied  devotion,  and 
the  wide  acquaintance  of  Dr.  Stoddard,  gave  to  his  pastorate  many 
privileges  which  have  left  inspiring  memories. 

We  must  not  omit  mention  of  Professor  Corning,  the  most 
finished  scholar  and  lecturer,  who  came  many  times  to  help  in  our 
stereopticon  and  free  lecture  course,  or  of  Professor  West,  of  the 
Brooklyn  Heights  Seminary,  who  placed  his  three  thousand  slides 
at  Dr.  Stoddard's  service,  and  while  not  able  to  give  a  public  address 
on  his  visit,  he  was  glad  to  render  assistance,  as  was  also  Dr.  Charles 
A.  Robinson,  of  New  York,  and  Professor  Bickmore. 

Thus  Dr.  Stoddard  gathered  from  many  fields  for  his  own, 
and  no  honor  received  abroad,  and  no  privilege  of  the  outside 
world  meant  as  much  to  him,  as  the  opportunities  furnished 
by  them  to  do  more  for  his  beloved  people.  And  he  had  the 
joy  of  knowing  that  when  the  problems  of  life  called  them  to 
the  east  or  the  west,  to  the  north  or  the  south,  they  were  equipped 
for  service. 

Dr.  Stoddard  often  said:  "If  our  young  people  must  go,  let 
them  have  the  culture  and  training  that  will  honor  any  place. 
This  church,  if  it  is  a  nursery  of  God's  planting,  must  send  out 
trees  that  shall  bear  all  manner  of  fruit,  in  all  varieties  of  climate. 
Our  part  is  to  train,  to  nourish,  to  give  direction  to  the  early  growth, 
and  all  that  develops  the  best  life." 

For  this,  fifty  years  of  work  and  of  prayer  were  unreservedly  given, 
and  it  is  ours  to  guard  and  nurture  the  growth  of  all  that  is  pure 
and  true  and  Christlike,  for  it  is  still  true,  "The  Lord  hath  need." 


LINNET    STODDARD 


THE    MISSION    BAND 

The  Mission  Band  was  organized  March  1, 1882,  at  the  parsonage. 
Efficient  work  was  done  in  helping  to  fill  a  box  for  Persia,  the  girls 
earning  the  money  for  materials,  some  by  doing  amateur  gardening. 
Linnet  subscribed  for  sixty  copies  of  Over  Sea  and  Land,  and  as  the 
subject  of  each  month  was  illustrated  by  the  Pastor  with  missionary 
curios  or  pictures,  the  idea  of  the  stereopticon  was  developed,  first 
with  a  lantern  and  screen  at  home,  then  with  the  larger  arrange- 
ments at  the  church.  The  Pastor  gave  a  free  lecture  once  a  month, 
covering  ancient  and  modern  art,  especially  as  related  to  Bible  and 
missionary  topics.  These  lectures  became  an  educational  influence 
in  the  community,  personal  travels  abroad  adding  to  their  interest. 

"I  WANT  TO  DO  REAL  WORK  FOR  CHRIST."— LINNET. 

Work,  real  work  for  Jesus, 

Some  real  work  each  day, 
As  He  shall  guide  and  use  us, 

And  when  we  pass  away 
The  little  seeds  we  scatter 

To  harvests  will  have  grown 
That  vesper  hours  may  gather 

As  we  are  going  home. 

Work,  real  work  for  Jesus, 

What  is  our  work  to-day? 
Where  does  the  Master  need  us? 

What  does  the  Message  say? 
Near,  very  near  to  Jesus, 

The  blessing  will  be  given, 
As  work  on  earth  prepares  us 

For  better  work  in  Heaven. 

E.  A.  S. 

39 


40  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

1884 

To  gain  strength  after  an  illness,  Dr.  Stoddard,  with  his  wife  and 
daughter,  left  New  York,  August  16,  by  steamer  Anchoria,  meeting 
providentially,  Prof.  W.  J.  Rolfe  and  his  two  sons,  with  whom  they 
travelled  about  two  months,  visiting  Scotland,  England,  France, 
Germany,  and  Switzerland,  returning  by  the  steamer  Austral 
October  12,  1884,  with  stereoscopic  pictures  to  review  the  trip  with 
Succasunna  and  neighboring  towns  in  a  series  of  lectures  in  following 
years. 

1886,  1887,  1888 

On  May  19,  1886,  the  Lord  called  to  a  higher  service  Eliza  Platt 
Stoddard,  the  only  daughter,  in  her  seventeenth  year.  On  May  19, 
1887,  the  corner-stone  of  the  Memorial  Chapel  was  laid.  On  May 
19,  1888,  it  was  dedicated  to  God  and  to  his  work,  and  has  since 
been  the  home  of  the  Sunday-school,  of  Christian  Endeavor,  of 
the  Ladies'  Missionary  Meeting,  the  Mission  Band,  and  social 
gatherings. 

Of  these  there  has  been  a  great  variety  from  High  School  grad- 
uations to  Christmas  cantatas.  On  Linnet's  birthdays  we  have 
had  Pageants  illustrating  the  life  of  the  Orient,  Persian  scenes, 
Syrian  life,  Chinese  customs ;  also  America's  Welcome  to  the  Nations, 
and  The  Twenty  Christian  Centuries.  Following  the  Missionary 
Centennial  in  New  York,  we  had  The  Pilgrims  of  the  Night  and  the 
Heralds  of  the  Dawn.  In  this  Pageant  representatives  of  all  the 
Eastern  Nations  came  groping  their  way,  as  in  search  of  light,  while 
the  choir  sang: 

From  Greenland's  icy  mountains, 

From  India's  coral  strand, 
Where  Afric's  sunny  fountains, 

Roll  down  their  golden  sand, 


MISSION  BAND  41 

From  many  an  ancient  river, 

From  many  a  palmy  plain, 
They  call  us  to  deliver 

Their  land  from  error's  chain. 

From  fertile  vales,  once  chosen 

As  our  ancestral  home, 
The  plea  ascends  to  Heaven 

That  Eden  may  return, 
While  Bethlehem  is  yearning 

To  hear  the  angels  sing, 
Jerusalem  is  waiting 

The  coming  of  the  King: 

And  still  the  Persian  sages 

Would  journey  from  afar, 
As  guided  down  the  ages 

"The  Wise  Men"  seek  the  Star. 
The  Crescent's  power  is  waning 

Before  the  dawn  of  light, 
The  Herald  of  the  Morning 

To  Pilgrims  of  the  Night. 

Shall  we  whose  souls  are  lighted 

With  wisdom  from  on  high, 
Shall  we  to  men  benighted 

The  lamp  of  life  deny? 
Salvation  O!  Salvation! 

The  joyful  sound  proclaim, 
Till  earth's  remotest  nation 

Has  learned  Messiah's  name. 

Then  the  distant  melody  of  the  angels  announced,  "Joy  to  the 
world,  the  Lord  has  come."  The  angels  enter;  the  pilgrims  listen 
and  follow,  and  all  sing  together,  "Crown  Him  Lord  of  all.'  At 


42  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

the  last  verse,  three  of  the  angels  knelt  as  they  sang,  "Oh,  that  with 
yonder  sacred  throng,  we  at  His  feet  may  fall."  And  our  hearts 
respond,  "We'll  sing  the  everlasting  song,  And  crown  Him  Lord  of 
all." 

The  dedicatory  hymn  for  the  chapel  was  suggested  by  Linnet's 
words  written  in  her  last  letter  to  a  friend : 

"YOU  NEED  CHRIST,  AND  CHRIST  NEEDS  YOU  TO  WORK 

FOR  HIM."— LINNET 

You  need  Christ,  and  Christ  needs  you, 

As  life's  journey  you  pursue, 

Guided  by  the  Morning  Star, 

Send  its  cheering  beams  afar, 

And  reflect  the  noontide  ray 

On  each  dark  and  shadowed  way. 

You  need  Christ,  and  Christ  needs  you, 
As  you  find  each  promise  true, 
For  the  faint  and  weary  care, 
With  the  sad  and  lonely  share, 
Freely  give,  as  it  is  given, 
The  unfailing  balm  of  Heaven. 

You  need  Christ,  and  Christ  needs  you, 
There  is  work  for  each  to  do, 
Go  with  Him  to  seek  His  own, 
Call  and  lead  the  wanderer  home, 
And  thus  add  another  gem 
To  the  Saviour's  diadem. 

You  need  Christ,  and  Christ  needs  you, 
Many  years  may  come,  or  few; 


MISSION  BAND  43 

One  with  Christ  in  either  land, 

One  in  service  with  the  band 

Singing  with  a  meaning  new 

You  need  Christ,  and  Christ  needs  you. 

E.  A.  S. 

POEM  FOR  LINNET'S  BIRTHDAY 

BY 

EMMA  SMULLER  CARTER 

A  tiny  bird  flew  down  to  earth 

In  summer's  golden  days ; 
The  mother-heart  sang  at  its  birth 

A  grateful  song  of  praise. 

And  soon  the  Linnet  learned  to  sing, 

The  song  that  home  loves  best, 
Sweet  twitterings  of  brooding  wing, 

And  of  the  sheltering  nest. 

The  days  flew  lightly  by,  the  lay 

Grew  sweet  with  maiden  glee ; 
No  bird  upon  the  bending  spray 

Sang  blither  song  than  she. 

The  golden  light  of  morning  gleamed 

The  day  rose  clear  and  bright, 
But  in  her  eyes  already  beamed, 

A  purer,  holier  light. 

It  fell  upon  her  forehead  fair, 

More  beautiful  than  day; 
The  angel-hand  had  rested  there, 

That  beckoned  her  away. 

And  as  the  bird  that  mounts  and  sings, 

Forever  as  it  flies, 
Upborne  by  song  and  snow-white  wings, 

She  vanished  in  the  skies. 


44  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

But  ever  down  the  summer  air 
Float  echoes  sweet  and  strong 

That  call  on  us  to  follow  there 
And  join  the  angel-song. 

Oh,  sweet,  that  ever  she  was  sent 
To  draw  us  to  the  skies ; 

To  show  our  feet  the  way  she  went, 
The  path  to  paradise. 


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ANNIVERSARIES  FROM  1891  TO  1899 

We  gather  these  records  of  Anniversaries  to  show  the  apprecia- 
tion of  the  Church,  the  Sunday-school,  the  Christian  Endeavor,  the 
Missionary  Society,  the  Boys'  Brigade,  and  the  Mission  Band,  as 
well  as  the  interest  of  the  community  in  each  of  them  as  the  passing 
years  were  brightened  by  the  fragrant  expressions  of  esteem  and 
love  that  were  the  inspiration  and  the  joy  of  this  long  pastorate. 

May   i,  1892.     From  the  local  paper 
A  LONG  PASTORATE 

Dr.  Stoddard,  of  Succasunna,  finished  his  twenty-eight  years  as 
Pastor  of  the  Succasunna  Presbyterian  Church  Sunday,  May  1st. 
As  his  health  is  much  improved  he  was  able  to  occupy  his  pulpit  in 
the  morning,  and  it  being  communion  Sunday  made  it  a  solemn  and 
impressive  service.  The  chapel  was  well  filled  and  all  were  glad  to 
welcome  their  faithful  leader  back  again.  Six  united  with  the 
church  on  confession  of  faith.  In  the  review  of  the  preceding  years 
Dr.  Stoddard  read  the  following  verses,  composed  for  the  occasion: 

The  Fathers  where  are  they? 

The  godly  men  who  came 
To  welcome  on  that  day 

To  this  new  Sabbath  home. 
A  part  have  gone  to  their  reward 
A  part  are  walking  here  with  God. 
45 


46  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

And  of  the  faithful  Band 

Who  clustered  round  me  then 
The  sixteen  with  me  stand ; 

The  full  three-score  and  ten 
Are  in  the  Father's  house  on  high 
Where  we  shall  gather,  by  and  by. 

The  eight  and  twenty  years 

With  changes  have  been  fraught, 

Through  toils  and  joys  and  tears, 
A  guiding  hand  has  brought, 

And  mercies  ever  fresh  and  new 

With  gratitude  we  would  review. 

The  God  of  all  these  years 

Must  be  our  trust  to-day 
And  with  our  hopes  and  fears 

We  humbly  bow,  to  pray 
Whatever  may  to  us  betide, 
With  us,  dear  Lord,  with  us  abide, 

Until  the  setting  sun 

Shall  find  us  at  the  door 
That  welcomes  one  by  one 

To  life  forever  more. 
And  we  review  the  blessings  given 
With  the  dear  church  of  God  in  Heaven. 

E.  A.  S. 


BOYS'   BRIGADE 
1894 

A  Brief  History  of  the  Boys'  Brigade,  taken  from  the  book 
dedicated  to  them  in  the  hope  that  by  choosing  and  defending  the 
right  they  may  be  more  truly  the  guardians  of  these  hills  and  plains 
than  an  army  with  banners. 

Mrs.  Mary  Marsh,  in  conference  with  the  Pastor  evolved  from 
the  Class  in  Calisthenics,  the  Boys'  Brigade.  Mr.  Albert  Marsh 
acted  as  Captain  until  Mr.  Isaac  Alward  of  the  23rd  Regiment  of 
Brooklyn,  New  York,  consented  to  give  weekly  drills. 

A  reception  once  a  month  promoted  social  and  intellectual 
activity.  Dr.  Stoddard's  address  of  May,  1894,  should  be  given 
with  the  constitution  of  the  Brigade  because  it  represents  one  of  the 
ways  in  which  the  Pastor's  love  found  expression. 

ADDRESS  OF  REV.  E.  W.  STODDARD,  D.D.,  BEFORE 

THE  BOYS'  BRIGADE 

May,  1894 

On  the  next  day,  much  people  that  were  come  to  the  feast,  when  they  heard  that 
Jesus  was  coming  to  Jerusalem,  took  branches  of  palm-trees,  and  went  forth  to  meet 
Him,  and  cried,  "Hosannah;  Blessed  is  He  that  cometh  in  the  name  of  the  Lord." 
John  xii,  12,  13. 

Mark  tells  us  that  they  also  spread  their  garments  in  the  way. 
This  is  called  the  triumphal  entry  into  Jerusalem.  It  is  a  type  of 
the  grander  triumph  in  which  we  may  also  have  a  share. 

47 


48  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

I  have  chosen  this  incident,  not  to  talk  of  the  facts  stated,  but 
of  the  things  suggested.  Was  there  ever  a  grand  procession,  or 
a  stir  of  people  in  the  streets,  that  did  not  call  out  the  boys?  And 
are  they  not  always  the  first  to  climb  trees  and  secure  leaves  and 
branches  for  decoration?  Is  it  not  a  natural  inference  that  the 
lads  were  in  full  force  on  that  eventful  day,  and  that  they  gathered 
the  palms  for  that  procession?  If  so,  an  impromptu  Boys'  Brigade 
was  organized.  The  germ  life,  the  spirit  of  the  Boys'  Brigade, 
was  certainly  there.  They  were  most  efficient  helpers  in  preparing 
the  way  for  the  Son  of  David  coming  in  the  name  of  the  Lord. 

There  is  a  work  that  a  Boys'  Brigade  can  do,  and  do  better  than 
any  one  else.  There  is  something  for  youth  and  strength  and 
restless  activity  in  preparing  for  the  triumphal  march  of  truth  and 
righteousness.  Did  the  boys  of  two  thousand  years  ago  ever  do 
anything  more  noble  than  on  that  day?  It  is  true,  branches  of 
trees  were  not  expensive  gifts;  they  were  those  at  hand,  and  they 
were  accepted.  When  Christ  enters  the  gates  of  the  New  Jerusalem 
in  triumph,  it  will  be  the  pride  and  joy  of  the  lads  of  His  time  that 
they  were  privileged  to  do  some  humble  service  on  the  earthly 
journey.  Let  us  do  our  part  toward  preparing  the  way  of  the  Lord. 

About  eight  hundred  years  ago,  Peter  the  Hermit,  and  other 
enthusiasts,  called  out  great  armies  in  religious  wars  that  were 
called  Crusades,  because  of  the  Cross  on  their  standards  and  on 
their  apparel.  They  gathered  to  rescue  the  Holy  Sepulcher  at 
Jerusalem  from  the  Turks,  who  held  possession,  and  would  not  allow 
Christian  pilgrims  even  to  visit  the  sacred  spot.  From  all  parts 
of  Europe,  thousands  responded.  Some  of  these  eight  crusades 
were  longer  and  of  more  importance  than  others;  but  all  appealed 
to  the  emotional  part  of  the  religious  world. 

In  1212  occurred  a  Children's  Crusade.  It  was  really  a  ripple 
of  the  wave  of  the  Fifth  Crusade.  Thirty  thousand  French  chil- 
dren and  twenty  thousand  German  children  followed  Stephen  of 
Colyes  and  Nicholas  of  Hungary.  Both  Boys'  Brigades  set  out 


ADDRESS  BEFORE  THE  BOYS'  BRIGADE  49 

unarmed,  and  by  different  routes,  to  reach  the  sea.  One  German 
division  crossed  the  Alps  and  reached  Brindisi;  the  other  attempted 
to  cross  Mt.  Cenis,  and  were  mostly  lost.  A  portion  of  the  French 
party  reached  Marseilles,  and  being  disappointed  that  the  sea  did 
not  open  to  give  them  passage,  they  were  induced  to  go  on  seven 
vessels  that  proved  to  be  slave  traders.  Thus  they  perished,  either 
by  shipwreck  or  by  being  sold  into  slavery. 

They  had  a  zeal,  but  not  according  to  knowledge.  Enthusiasm 
must  be  guided,  controlled,  used  by  wisdom,  if  it  would  attain  its 
noblest  end.  We  learn  by  failures;  the  mistakes  of  others  are 
beacon-lights  of  warning,  that  we  may  avoid  the  unwise  and  the 
harmful. 

The  young  people  of  to-day  are  called  to  engage  in  a  holy  war. 
Holy  places,  holy  things,  are  to  be  rescued  and  guarded. 

An  army  of  devoted  men  and  women  have  gone  before,  and  I 
exhort  the  Boys'  Brigade  to  heed  the  lessons  of  the  past  and  do 
great  things  in  the  future. 

"We  live  in  deeds,  not  years;  in  thoughts,  not  breaths; 
In  feelings,  not  in  figures  on  a  dial. 
We  should  count  time  by  heart-throbs.     He  most  lives 
Who  thinks  most,  feels  the  noblest,  acts  the  best." 

The  following  lines  were  written  for  the  Boys'  Brigade,  to  embody 
the  lesson  of  this  hour: 

Around  the  brow  of  Olivet 
A  wonderful  procession  swept, 

Two  thousand  years  ago. 
The  old,  the  young,  were  in  that  throng, 
As  with  the  palm-branch  and  the  song, 
They  strewed  their  garments  all  along 

The  valley  road  below. 


50  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

Ascending  then  the  sacred  way 
To  herald  the  prophetic  day 

When  all  the  world  shall  bring 
The  choicest  gifts  to  line  the  road, 
By  one  triumphant  army  trod, 
To  crown  the  Son  of  David  Lord, 

The  all-victorious  King. 

And  there  beneath  the  palm-tree  shade 
Was  organized  the  Boys'  Brigade, 

The  work  that  we  now  share. 
As  Christ  the  Lord  was  drawing  nigh, 
They  broke  the  branches  hanging  high, 
And  gave  them  to  the  passer-by, 

The  highway  to  prepare. 

Upon  the  hilltop,  on  the  plain, 
That  way  must  be  prepared  again, 

With  palm-branch  and  with  song; 
For  this  we  need  the  Boys'  Brigade, 
By  nought  deterred,  by  nought  dismayed, 
Because  God's  word  believed,  obeyed, 

Has  made  them  true  and  strong. 

And  as  there  was  a  Boys'  Brigade 
Connected  with  the  Fifth  Crusade, 

That  marched  its  weary  way 
To  rescue  from  the  infidel 
The  sepulcher  and  citadel; 
Who  by  the  sacred  ensign  fell 

The  martyrs  of  that  day; 


ADDRESS  BEFORE  THE  BOYS'  BRIGADE  51 

So  now  there  is  a  true  Crusade, 
For  this  our  loyal  Boys '  Brigade, 

Against  all  sin  and  wrong. 
You  need  the  Christ,  and  Christ  has  need 
Of  you,  the  earthly  work  to  speed ; 
Be  true  to  every  noble  deed, 

"Quit  you  like  men,  be  strong." 

You  have  the  sword,  you  have  the  shield; 
On  every  moral  battle-field 

How  much  depends  on  you ! 
At  dawn  of  light,  in  midnight  shade, 
Your  banner  in  the  front  displayed, 
A  faithful,  noble  Boys'  Brigade, 

Stand  by  your  colors  true. 

And  when  the  victory  is  won, 

And  all  earth's  kingdoms  are  but  one, 

The  King  Himself  shall  own 
Each  loyal,  earnest  Boys'  Brigade, 
Of  every  clime,  of  each  decade, 
With  laurels  that  can  never  fade, 

For  an  eternal  crown. 

E.  A.  S. 

1894 
CLIPPING  FROM  THE  IRON  ERA,  MAY  I,  1894. 

Dr.  E.  W.  Stoddard  preached  his  anniversary  sermon  last 
Sunday  morning  as  he  completed  thirty  years  of  active  service  for 
the  Master  in  our  village.  But  fourteen  of  the  members  who  wel- 
comed Dr.  Stoddard  as  their  Pastor  thirty  years  ago  the  first  day 


52  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

of  this  month  remain  to  clasp  hands  with  him  and  bravely  take  up 
the  work  for  the  new  year. 

The  anniversary  exercises  of  the  dedication  of  the  Memorial 
Chapel  will  be  on  May  igth.  Dr.  Chas.  A.  Stoddard,  of  the  New 
York  Observer,  will  be  present  and  deliver  the  anniversary  address 
at  3  P.M. 

A  week  ago  in  recognition  of  Dr.  E.  W.  Stoddard's  seventy- 
fourth  birthday  the  Boys'  Brigade  had  a  little  surprise  of  seventy- 
four  iced  cakes,  each  cake  representing  a  year.  Last  Saturday  the 
Mission  Band  had  their  surprise.  Three  large  cakes  containing 
seventy-four  candles,  the  center  one  having  thirty  as  representing 
the  thirty  years  of  the  pastorate  at  Succasunna.  The  candles  were 
lighted  just  before  the  Band  came  to  the  dining-room,  and  as  they 
encircled  the  central  table  a  little  address  was  made  which  was 
concluded  by  these  very  appropriate  lines  written  by  Mrs.  E.  A. 
Stoddard : 

Each  candle  represents  a  year, 
Each  light  a  symbol  of  the  cheer, 
That  love  of  purity  and  truth 
Can  give  to  all  the  years  of  youth, 
To  brighter  grow  in  darkest  day, 
Until  amid  the  twilight  gray, 
It  shows  the  most  at  eventide 
The  comfort  of  the  ingleside, 
Reflected  on  the  shades  of  night, 
To  guide  unto  the  perfect  light. 
These  candles  number  seventy-four, 
We  trust  there  may  be  many  more, 
And  each  one  brighter  year  by  year, 
To  kindle  many  candles  here, 
That  shall  out-shine  in  service  done, 
The  mid-day  glories  of  the  sun. 


CLIPPING  FROM  THE  IRON  ERA  53 

And  as  is  given  to  every  one 
A  candle  to  be  taken  home, 
In  fond  remembrance  of  this  hour 
We  ask  the  wisdom  and  the  power, 
To  make  our  lives  at  home,  abroad 
As  little  candles  of  the  Lord: 
In  circles  small  but  full  of  cheer, 
And  usefulness  from  year  to  year, 
As  earnest,  true,  aflame  with  love, 
As  seeking  things  that  are  above. 
Light  bearers  in  this  world  of  tears, 
Amid  its  gloom  light  giving  years, 
In  widening  circles,  each  more  bright, 
Reflecting  more  and  more  of  light, 
Until  with  those  who  ever  shine 
In  presence  of  the  Light  Divine, 
To  each  of  us  the  joy  be  given, 
To  number  endless  years  in  heaven. 

1895 

In  1895  *ne  Succasunna  Presbyterian  Church  celebrated  its 
1 39th  anniversary  by  welcoming  its  children  in  the  old  Sabbath 
Home,  May  I9th,  2Oth,  2ist. 

Dr.  Stoddard  had  by  great  effort  secured  pictures  of  the  ministers 
and  incidents  of  their  work  and  these  were  printed  in  a  Historical 
Memorial  with  the  gleanings  of  the  harvest  week. 

In  this  book  was  also  a  record  of  the  stones  in  God's  acre,  around 
the  historic  church. 


54  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

MEMORIAL  HYMN 
Tune  of  Webb 

"Built  upon  the  foundation  of  the  Apostles  and  Prophets,  Jesus  Christ  Himself 
being  the  chief  Corner-Stone." — Eph.  ii,  20 

Upon  the  Rock  of  Ages 

The  Walls  of  Zion  stand, 
Built  by*  the  ancient  sages 

The  apostolic  band, 
The  royal  line  of  martyrs 

The  toilers  all  unknown 
And  by  our  Honored  Fathers, 

Upon  the  Corner-Stone. 

And  on  this  sure  foundation, 

The  Temple  must  arise, 
Whose  gates  shall  be  salvation, 

To  all  beneath  the  skies, 
The  light  of  Heaven  reflecting 

From  every  polished  stone, 
Until  the  Lord  descending 

His  finished  work  shall  crown. 

Upon  the  Gold  of  Ophir, 

And  gems  from  land  and  sea, 
That  those  we  love  to  honor 

Have  offered  Lord  to  Thee. 
Some  humble  place  be  given 

The  tributes  that  we  bring 
On  every  one  engraven 

The  signet  of  the  King. 


PRESBYTERIAN    CHURCH    OF    SUCCASUNNA 
WITH    THE    SUNDAY    SCHOOL    1878 


HISTORICAL  SERMON  55 

On  every  one  some  token 

That  those  who  serve  above 
In  fellowship  unbroken 

Inspire  our  faith  and  love 
To  every  new  endeavor 

Until  the  work  is  done, 
And  we  rejoice  together 

In  our  eternal  home. 

E.  A.  S. 
1895 
HISTORICAL  SERMON 

On  the  occasion  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Thirty-Ninth  Anniversary 
of  the  Succasunna,  New  Jersey,  Presbyterian  Church. 

BY  REV.  E.  W.  STODDARD,  D.D. 

Isa.  xliv,  7-8 — "Thus  saith  the  Lord,  the  King  of  Israel,  and  his  Redeemer,  the 
Lord  of  hosts.  I  appointed  the  ancient  people,  and  the  things  that  are  coming  and 
shall  come." 

History  is  the  record  of  God's  dealings  with  men.  The  history 
of  a  nation  or  of  a  church  is  a  record  of  what  the  Lord  has  done  for 
them.  We  review  one  hundred  and  thirty-nine  years  of  providential 
guidings  and  blessings.  Commencing  with  the  years  of  the  honored 
fathers  and  tracing  the  line  of  mercies  up  to  this  day  we  render 
thanks  unto  the  Lord  who  appointed  the  ancient  people  and  the 
things  that  are  coming  and  shall  come.  It  is  an  inspiration  at 
certain  periods  to  look  backward. 

The  Succasunna  Presbyterian  Church  is  one  of  the  oldest  in  the 
county — about  1755 — the  church  at  Morristown  being  about 
twenty  years  older — 1735 — and  that  of  Hanover,  about  thirty- 
five  years  older.  The  deed  of  this  church  property  was  executed 


56  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

in  1756  by  James  Parker,  one  of  the  West  Jersey  proprietors.  This 
deed,  for  the  sum  of  five  shillings,  conveys  one  acre  for  a  church 
and  burial  ground  to  Levi  Lewis,  Daniel  Gary,  and  others.  The 
first  church  building  must  have  been  erected  about  1760.  It  is 
said  that  Levi  Lewis  owned  a  saw  mill  at  Combs  Hollow  where  he 
sawed  the  timber  for  the  church.  This  first  church  building  had 
only  the  floor  finished  and  plain  seats,  no  plastered  walls  and  no 
ceiling.  The  swallows  twittered  from  the  rafters  even  while  the 
people  worshipped,  nor  were  they  disturbed  by  the  use  of  the 
church  for  barrack  and  hospital  purposes,  when  the  larger  cannon, 
some  of  which  required  three  yoke  of  oxen  to  draw  them,  were 
ranged  and  sheltered  outside  the  buildings  and  the  munitions  in  the 
church.  They  were  trophies  from  the  capture  of  General  Burgoyne, 
near  Saratoga,  N.  Y.  When  the  new  Centennial  bell  for  Independ- 
ence Hall,  Philadelphia,  was  to  be  cast  the  United  States  Govern- 
ment contributed  one  of  these  cannon  for  bell  metal.  When  the 
smallpox  raged  in  the  army,  this  church  and  that  at  Hanover  were 
used  as  hospitals,  and  this  old  graveyard  has  many  nameless  graves. 
On  January  28,  1818,  in  the  ministry  of  Rev.  Jacob  Green,  the 
congregation  resolved  to  repair  the  meeting-house,  put  on  new 
covering,  put  in  new  windows  and  new  timbers  and  lath  and  plaster. 
This  house,  which  was  nearly  square,  35  x  40  feet,  with  its  pulpit 
on  the  side,  accommodated  the  people  until  January  I,  1853,  when 
in  the  ministry  of  Rev.  Josiah  Fisher  the  parish  resolved  to  build 
a  new  church.  The  last  day  of  service  in  the  old  church  of  nearly 
one  hundred  years  was  held  on  the  first  Sabbath  of  May,  1853. 
The  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  Fisher,  the  father-in-law  of  Pastor  Fisher, 
preached  in  the  morning  from  the  text,  "Keep  yourselves  in  the 
love  of  God."  The  Rev.  Josiah  Fisher  preached  in  the  evening. 
The  old  church  was  taken  down  and  a  new  one  erected  on  its  site. 
There  may  be  those  present  who  helped  to  take  down  the  old 
timbers  and  set  them  in  the  new  house.  The  corner-stone  of  the 
new  church  building  was  laid  May  26,  1853.  A  brief  history  of  the 


HISTORICAL  SERMON  57 

church,  the  names  of  its  officers  and  members  at  that  time,  certain 
newspapers,  and  a  bullet  found  in  removing  the  old  building, 
bearing  date  in  etching  July  4,  1776,  and  other  relics  were  placed 
in  the  corner-stone.  The  new  house  was  dedicated  October  II, 
1853.  At  this  point  it  may  be  interesting  to  mention  that  the  first 
service  held  in  this  church  was  the  funeral  of  the  Hon.  Mahlon 
Dickerson,  died  October  5,  1853,  service  October  8,  1853.  He 
had  been  the  largest  contributor  to  the  building  fund. 

In  August,  1872,  it  was  resolved  to  enlarge  the  church  by  adding 
twelve  feet  to  its  length  and  a  pulpit  recess  14  x  7.  The  church 
was  re-occupied  January,  1873. 

The  records  of  the  church  from  its  organization  to  1817  have 
been  lost. 

The  recorded  membership  at  that  time,  1817,  was  35.  From 
that  date  to  this  over  six  hundred  have  been  added.  The  present 
membership  is  174. 

The  first  pastor  known  to  have  been  settled  over  this  church 
was  Rev.  Wm.  Woodhull,  who  graduated  from  the  College  of  New 
Jersey  in  1764  and  belonged  to  the  Presbytery  of  New  York.  The 
call  bears  date  September  I,  1768,  and  contains  the  signatures  of 
Daniel  Gary,  Levi  Lewis,  Jacob  Drake,  Jeremiah  Rogers,  Eliphalet 
Lewis,  Benjamin  Clark,  and  Elisha  Drake. 

Succasunna  and  Chester  pledged  the  Presbytery  of  New  York, 
for  the  encouragement  of  the  said  Rev.  Wm.  Woodhull,  forty 
pounds,  the  use  of  the  parsonage,  and  his  firewood.  So  easily  were 
the  ministers  of  a  hundred  years  ago  encouraged  and  freed  from 
worldly  care. 

Only  fourteen  remain  who  were  members  thirty-one  years  ago. 
The  Master  says,  Work  for  the  night  cometh  when  no  man  can 
work.  A  historical  poem  will  give  us  incidents  and  teachings: 


58  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

HISTORICAL   POEM 

Our  Father's  God,  whose  loving  care  appears 
On  every  line  of  this  long  scroll  of  years, 
As  we  unroll  with  grateful  hearts  to-day 
We  would  acknowledge  Thee  in  all  the  way. 
Upon  the  cloud  as  on  the  wall  of  flame 
We  trace,  with  those  of  old,  Thy  sacred  name, 
Across  the  desert,  at  the  restful  fount, 
Within  the  valley  or  upon  the  mount, 
As  Thou  hast  gone  before  in  all  the  time 
We  trace  the  years,  one  hundred  thirty-nine. 

To-day  it  is  our  pride  and  our  delight 

To  follow  all  along  the  trail  of  light 

That  passed  so  often  by  the  clefted  rock, 

As  loving  pastors  led  the  little  flock. 

The  name  of  Woodhull  is  a  worthy  name 

To  lead  the  list  upon  this  roll  of  fame ; 

The  Rev.  Bradford  serves  as  a  supply, 

Then  wisdom  sought  is  given  them  from  on  high, 

And  Pastor  Lemuel  Fordham  comes  to  bless 

With  thirty  years  of  loving  faithfulness, 

A  fruitful  and  a  happy  pastorate, 

That  saw  the  babes  attain  to  man's  estate. 

Then  follows  Jacob  Green,  in  whose  four  years 
And  good  nine  months  a  change  of  form  appears 
In  the  old  meeting-house,  upon  whose  eaves 
The  swallows  built  their  nests  of  twigs  and  leaves, 
And  while  the  congregation  sang  their  hymns 
The  birds  responded  with  their  twitterings, 
Inviting  also  to  the  open  door, 
And  all  the  blessings  that  were  held  in  store. 


6i)\ 


HISTORICAL  POEM 

Six  months  for  Osborne,  then  Kanouse  was  given 
Five  years  of  service  by  the  grace  of  Heaven. 
For  a  few  Sabbaths  Hooper  was  supply, 
Then  Osborne  came  again  and  this  dear  tie 
Held  heart  and  hand  four  years  and  six  months  more, 
Then  came  supplies  who  for  the  two  years  bore 
The  names  of  Jones,  Woodbury,  Pierson,  then 
Fairchild  and  Allen,  true  and  noble  men. 

The  Shepherd's  crook  passed  on  to  Joseph  Moore, 

Who  for  two  years  six  months  the  symbol  bore, 

Then  churchly  records  give  to  us  the  name 

For  one  year  and  six  months  of  David  Frame. 

One  Sabbath  morning  as  the  record  states 

The  President  of  these  United  States, 

Martin  Van  Buren,  with  his  honored  host, 

Our  Mahlon  Dickerson,  were  at  their  post 

In  the  old  meeting-house  to  worship  God, 

And  listen  to  the  preaching  of  the  Worifl, 

From  1st  Corinthians,  three,  twelve,  thirteen, 

A  rich  discourse  from  which  they  all  could  glean. 

And  then  another  prince  of  royal  line, 

Daniel  Magie,  well  versed  in  things  divine. 

For  three  years  and  three-fourths  he  gave  the  Word, 

And  for  two  years  we  were  supplied  by  Ward, 

And  then  by  Davis,  one  year  six  months  more, 

And  Fisher,  the  beloved,  half  a  score 

And  three,  meanwhile  in  ancient  poplar  shade 

The  corner-stone  of  the  new  church  was  laid, 

May  twenty-six  of  eighteen  fifty-three, 

The  pride  and  joy  of  his  long  ministry. 

His  name  engraven  on  the  marble  urn, 

His  name  engraven  on  the  heart  and  home, 


59 


60  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

With  those  who  also  served,  the  good,  the  blest, 

The  crowned  victors,  entered  into  rest. 

Our  Albert  Riggs  of  blessed  memory, 

Whose  twenty  years  of  loving  ministry 

In  Sabbath-school  is  still  a  treasure  store, 

Whose  Eldership  of  thirty  years  and  more 

Has  left  an  imprint  on  all  coming  time, 

For  Christlike  living  makes  our  lives  sublime. 

And  almost  at  his  side  a  comrade  lies, 
Our  Fordham  Corwin,  patient,  tender,  wise, 
In  each  department  of  the  service  true, 
Delighting  in  the  work  he  found  to  do, 
And  full  of  faith  in  every  promised  word 
While  waiting  long  the  message  of  his  Lord. 
And  Elder  Hopkins,  who  three  weeks  ago 
So  large  a  place  left  vacant  here  below. 

They  gather  thus  the  cloud  of  witnesses 
From  all  our  ranks  and  years  of  usefulness. 
The  Father's  rest,  in  God's  own  acre  near, 
Their  virtues  in  their  children  reappear; 

Our  Hiram  Hulse,  the  genial,  tender,  true, 
Whose  noble  sons  a  noble  life  renew. 
Our  Goes,  our  Corys,  our  Dalrymple  too, 
Our  Carys  and  our  Byrams  staunch  and  true, 
Our  Fordham,  our  LeFevre,  our  McCord, 
The  Elders  in  this  ancient  church  of  God. 
Our  Meekers,  and  our  Condit,  and  our  Kings, 
And  all  the  worthy  host  that  memory  brings 
In  honored  names  and  in  the  Christian  graces 


HISTORICAL  POEM  61 

Thus  borne  by  those  who  rise  to  take  their  places, 
Who  wear  the  mantles  and  adorn  the  name, 
That  found  in  serving  its  immortal  fame. 

Our  sons  and  daughters  have  been  scattered  wide 

Across  the  continents  across  the  tide, 

On  Persian  soil  and  on  the  Western  fields 

To  gather  home  at  last  with  golden  sheaves. 

Our  sons  and  daughters  on  the  other  shore 

Who  gather  at  the  Father's  open  door, 

Or  watch  us  from  the  height,  inspire  to-day 

To  persevere  along  the  homeward  way. 

One  heart,  one  aim,  in  Pastor  and  in  flock, 

To  feed  in  pastures  by  the  clefted  rock. 

As  thirty  years  and  one  we  would  review, 
Our  pledges  to  each  other  we  renew, 
As  when  in  eighteen  hundred  sixty-four 
The  record  first  the  name  of  Stoddard  bore, 
To  hold  it  thus  these  thirty  years  and  one 
Until  one  hundred  thirty-nine  have  gone, 
And  we  recall  the  labors  and  the  word 
Of  those  who  came  as  they  were  sent  of  God. 

Ten  pastors  and  the  nine  supplies  in  all, 
And  each  save  two,  have  heard  the  higher  call, 
Have  crossed  the  stream,  and  on  the  peaceful  strand 
Have  joined  the  flock  of  our  Immanuel's  land. 

In  August  eighteen  hundred  seventy-two, 
The  church  resolved  to  add  a  portion  new, 
And  build  a  pulpit  recess,  and  to  crown 
Our  work,  the  Lord  has  added  of  His  own 


62  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

The  pillars  that  in  earthly  temples  rise, 
Are  fashioned  for  the  Temple  in  the  skies; 
Enwrought  perchance  by  sorrow's  ministry 
For  blessed  service  in  eternity. 


Three  years  ago  another  change  was  made, 

In  charge  of  chosen  men  who  felt  repaid 

For  time  and  thought  and  service,  day  and  night, 

By  added  beauty,  comfort,  joy  and  light. 

Your  pastor  found  some  eighty  members  here, 
It  has  been  given  his  ministry  to  cheer 
The  dear  three  hundred  and  the  fifty-eight 
The  joy  and  comfort  of  his  pastorate. 
And  as  the  blessed  seasons  shall  return 
He  yearns  to  welcome  others  in  your  name, 
Until  our  households  and  our  neighbors  given 
We  number  all  when  we  shall  meet  in  Heaven. 
Your  Pastor  of  the  thirty  years  and  one 
Thus  overlooks  the  work  that  has  been  done. 
As  hand  was  joined  to  hand,  the  wedding  chimes 
Have  echoed  the  one  hundred  sixty  times. 
To  voice  the  sorrow  of  the  stricken  soul 
The  funeral  bell  has  often  had  to  toll. 
Your  Pastor  in  these  hours  of  sorrow  given 
To  speak  four  hundred  times  and  thirty-seven. 
Your  Pastor  has  received  your  words  of  love 
When  his  beloved  have  been  called  above. 
Your  Pastor  comforted  on  that  sad  day 
Nine  years  ago  when  Linnet  passed  away, 
Your  Pastor  strengthened  by  the  Mission  Band 
Who  take  up  Linnet's  work  with  heart  and  hand. 


HISTORICAL  POEM  63 

And  by  the  ladies'  missionary  zeal, 

Upon  whose  work  the  Lord  has  set  His  seal, 

The  praying  circle  to  whose  faith  is  given 

To  link  this  church  with  that  which  serves  in  Heaven. 

Your  Pastor  looking  to  the  Boys'  Brigade 

To  be  in  very  truth  the  Pastor's  aid. 

As  we  its  noble  record  thus  recall, 

Christian  Endeavor  intertwining  all, 

Recruited  by  the  Junior  nursery 

For  fruitful  years  in  the  next  century. 


A  faithful  band  of  singers  in  the  choir, 

A  faithful  band  of  hearers  to  inspire, 

A  faithful  band  of  trusted,  tried  trustees, 

To  plan  the  wisest  uses  of  the  keys. 

An  eldership  united  to  conserve 

The  interests  that  they  are  called  to  serve. 

A  faithful  band  of  workers  here  for  God, 

And  honored  names  to  bear  the  name  abroad. 

A  record  to  inspire  the  present  hour 

To  do  its  best,  to  add  new  zeal  and  power, 

To  make  each  year  more  useful  than  the  last, 

Uplifting  ever  by  its  worthy  past. 


Your  Pastor  of  the  thirty  years  and  one 
Can  never  feel  his  truest  work  is  done 
Until  the  seal  of  God,  His  love  attest, 
His  benediction  on  each  household  rest, 
And  in  this  year  one  hundred  thirty-nine 
This  church  and  people  share  the  grace  divine. 


64  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

ADDED,   1913 

The  records  tell  us  at  the  present  time 

Of  marriages  four  hundred  eighty-nine, 

Of  funerals  eight  hundred  ninety-seven, 

And  could  a  message  come  to  us  from  Heaven, 

Your  Pastor  of  a  half  a  century 

Would  add  this  prayer  to  crown  his  ministry, 

"In  blessing  others  may  the  church  be  blest, 

God's  benediction  on  each  household  rest, 

Until  the  higher  service  calls  together 

And  we  are  one,  forever  and  forever." 

ITEMS  REGARDING  THE  ELDERSHIP 

In  1768  the  Church  at  Succasunna  joined  the  Church  at  Chester 
in  a  call  to  the  Rev.  Wm.  Woodhull. 

The  following  were  Elders  at  that  date :  Eliphalet  Lewis,  Elisha 
Drake,  Jeremiah  Rogers. 

The  next  record  of  Eldership  is  December,  1817.  They  were 
Ebenezer  Coe  and  Hiram  Condit  in  the  ministry  of  Rev.  Jacob 
Green.  September,  1818,  Caleb  Jennings,  Samuel  King,  and 
Abraham  Coe  were  chosen  Elders. 

July,  1823,  Mr.  Absalom  Woodruff,  Mr.  Daniel  Dairy mple,  and 
Calvin  Thompson  were  chosen  Elders.  Mr.  Woodruff  did  not 
serve  on  account  of  ill  health. 

June  14,  1835,  Silas  Riggs,  Daniel  Gary,  and  Wm.  B.  Lefevre 
were  chosen  Elders. 

January  29,  1837,  Stephen  F.  Fordham,  Silas  Byram,  and  Henry 
Concklyn  were  chosen  Elders. 

May  2,  1841,  Samuel  McCord,  Martin  S.  Moore,  and  Isaac  W. 
Crane  were  chosen  Elders. 

January  2,  1846,  Mr.  L.  F.  Corwin  and  Mr.  Lewis  Meeker  were 
chosen  Elders. 


ITEMS  REGARDING  THE  ELDERSHIP  65 

October,  1848,  Mr.  Geo.  W.  Packard  and  Mr.  A.  R.  Riggs  were 
chosen  Elders. 

March,  1864,  Mr.  Joshua  G.  Corwin  and  Mr.  Josiah  Meeker 
were  chosen  Elders. 

May  6,  1874,  Mr.  Silas  H.  Hopkins  was  chosen  Elder. 

November  27,  1892,  Mr.  T.  F.  King,  Mr.  H.  F.  Meeker,  and 
Mr.  Jonas  W.  Hulse  were  chosen  Elders,  and  are  still  in  service. 


GLEANINGS   FROM  THE   139x11  ANNIVERSARY 


May  iQth  —  afternoon  and  evening.  Mr.  Ed.  J.  Ross  related  an 
incident  that  has  a  message  for  to-day.  The  Patriarch  of  the 
household  had  gone  away.  One  said  to  the  family,  How  can  you 
get  along  without  your  father?  The  answer  came.  When  any 
plan  is  before  us  we  sit  down  together  and  ask  what  would  father 
wish  us  to  do?  It  is  the  wisdom  of  the  ages  granted  to  the  younger. 
So  is  it  with  this  grand  old  church.  Pastors  have  come  and  gone, 
but  the  Word  of  the  Lord  abideth  forever.  The  Church  of  this  day 
is  living  on  the  fruits  of  the  forefathers  and  this  Church  is  to  live 
and  bring  forth  fruit  in  old  age. 

Dr.  I.  W.  Condit,  of  Dover,  was  the  second  speaker.  He  said: 
"This  is  the  place  of  my  birth.  I  began  church-going  here  at  about 
four  years,  and  while  I  lived  with  my  father  we  always  attended 
church  on  the  Sabbath.  The  first  Sabbath-school  I  recollected  was 
organized  by  Rev.  Jacob  Green,  and  I  think  he  baptized  me.  Sab- 
bath-school was  held  only  in  summer  months.  We  learned  verses 
from  the  Bible  and  recited  them.  My  brother  received  a  Bible  as  a 
reward  which  I  well  remember. 

"In  April,  1842,  I  came  from  school  to  spend  the  summer.  At 
the  organizing  of  the  school  I  was  requested  to  act  as  Superintendent. 
The  line  of  study  was  the  Union  Question  Book  and  the  Shorter 
Catechism.  In  October  we  had  a  review  of  the  summer's  work. 
I  gave  out  forty-two  Bibles  to  scholars  who  had  committed  the 
whole  to  memory,  and  twenty-two  Testaments  to  those  who 
committed  to  memory  a  definite  portion.  I  could  name  some  of 
those  scholars,  and  one  of  them,  Marcus  Meeker,  is  now  looking 
me  in  the  face. 

66 


67 

"  In  those  days  this  congregation  covered  a  great  deal  more  ground 
than  it  does  now.  The  people  of  Flanders  and  Ironia  and  Mt. 
Freedom,  Mine  Hill,  Mill  Brook,  Berkshire  Valley,  and  Stanhope 
worshipped  here.  The  street  here  was  filled  with  horses  and  wagons, 
and  I  recall  one  yoke  of  oxen  that  used  to  come. 

"  I  remember  the  old  church  building  well,  but  not  as  it  was  first 
used.  Then  they  had  boxes  and  boards  for  temporary  seats.  A 
sounding-board  was  over  the  pulpit.  Then  they  laid  a  floor  and 
put  in  square  upright  pews  with  doors.  Then  the  sounding-board 
was  removed,  and  one  of  the  panels  of  that  sounding-board  for  a 
long  time  covered  my  mother's  cream  pot. 

"But  the  times  change,  and  the  buildings  change,  but  this 
thing  does  not  change.  The  boy  is  the  father  of  the  man.  Re- 
member that,  I  want  you  to  take  in  all  that  it  means.  If  the  boy  is 
a  good  boy,  if  he  is  governed  by  right  motives,  the  man  will  be 
right.  If  the  boy  is  a  Christian  the  man  will  be  a  Christian.  Now, 
what  benefit  has  the  Sabbath- school  been  to  me?  What  has  family 
instruction  done  for  me?  I  want  to  say  to  all  these  young  people — 
they  taught  me  to  respect  all  that  is  true,  just,  proper,  and  right." 

Mr.  John  McDougall,  who  is  about  eighty-four  years  old,  next 
spoke:  "When  I  look  over  this  congregation  I  do  not  see  one  person 
as  old  as  I  am.  I  have  known  this  Church  for  years.  I  have  seen 
much  good  work  for  Christ  done  here.  One  question  is  hard  to 
answer,  What  of  the  next  139  years?  Who  is  going  to  take  the 
places  of  all  the  people  and  workers  who  are  passing  away?" 

Mr.  J.  C.  Buck  came  next.  In  his  "looking  back"  over  forty- 
two  years  he  felt  that  the  young  are  the  bulwark  of  the  Church  and 
Sunday-school.  Honor  the  Sabbath  and  keep  it  holy.  Honor  your 
parents  and  attend  Church  and  Sunday-school. 

Mr.  Ferdinand  V.  Wolfe  speaks:  "When  I  was  a  little  boy  my 
father  lived  near  where  William  Corwin  now  lives.  Miss  Mary 
Ann  Corwin,  now  Mrs.  Byram.  led  me  many  times  to  Church  and 
Sunday-school.  Among  the  peculiarities  of  that  place  was  the 


68  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

pulpit  set  up  on  stilts.  Under  the  pulpit  was  the  library.  In  the 
high  seats  with  doors  the  boys  and  girls  were  in  classes.  We  could 
not  see  out  very  much  because  of  the  high  partitions  and  doors. 
But  many  of  the  brightest  and  best  days  of  my  boyhood  were  here. 
We  got  impressions  and  teachings  we  have  never  forgotten.  This 
was  my  home  and  when  I  come  back  here  I  come  home  and  I  am 
very  glad.  It  is  a  great  pleasure  that  I  was  invited  to  come  here 
to-day.  My  hope  is  that  the  children  of  this  day  and  this  Sunday- 
school  will  find  the  benefit  that  we  found  here  many  years  ago.  I 
had  a  good  praying  mother  and  she  loved  this  church  and  Sunday- 
school.  Here  too  the  Lord  raised  up  for  me  a  dear,  sweet  wife. 
The  Lord  has  taken  them  both  and  by  and  by  He  will  take  me  to 
join  them." 

In  the  evening  letters  were  read  from  the  absent,  and  by  a 
singular  coincidence  just  as  the  message  from  Mrs.  E.  Durham  was 
being  read,  in  her  distant  home  in  Lebanon,  Pa.,  she  was  passing 
away,  thus  linking  the  Church  below  to  the  Church  above.  After 
which  Hervey  Cook,  Esq.,  one  of  our  own  young  men,  came  back 
with  gleanings  from  contemporaneous  history  that  showed  the 
student  and  the  scholar,  as  well  as  the  man.  The  discourse  was  of 
profound  interest  and  full  of  instruction.  Next  followed  the  ad- 
dress of  Mr.  Frank  Merchant,  which  alluded  to  his  early  acquaint- 
ance with  the  pastor  and  recalled  some  very  happy  reminiscences. 

Mrs.  McDowell,  a  daughter  of  Rev.  E.  A.  Osborne,  gave  a  word 
of  greeting.  Rev.  Mr.  Hampton,  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  brought 
congratulations  and  hoped  that  the  excellent  things  that  charac- 
terized this  church  might  also  characterize  his  own  church. 

On  Monday,  May  20,  at  the  reception  in  the  Chapel  by  the 
Session — Miss  Gary,  an  honored  teacher  of  the  earlier  days,  was 
present  with  many  other  faithful  workers. 

On  Tuesday  from  4  to  7  P.M.  a  reception  was  given  to  the  Sunday- 
school,  Mission  Band,  Boys'  Brigade,  and  Junior  Endeavor.  Miss 
Louise  Wiggins,  who  has  been  for  more  than  twenty  years  the 


GLEANINGS  FROM  THE  I39TH  ANNIVERSARY          69 

teacher  of  the  infant  class,  received  with  the  Pastor.  The  guests 
were  then  entertained  by  music  and  a  sight  of  the  curious  relics 
gathered  on  the  platform  of  the  church,  including  the  foot-stoves 
of  the  olden  times  and  a  bench  from  the  Friend's  meeting-house, 
at  least  one  hundred  years  old,  a  picture  of  Christ  teaching  in  the 
Temple  that  is  five  hundred  years  old,  a  drum  that  served  at  Bunker 
Hill  in  the  Revolutionary  War,  pictures,  vases,  candle-sticks,  mor- 
tars, pictures  worked  in  silk,  ancient  books  and  chairs,  the  study 
chair  of  Rev.  Fordham  and  the  brass  kettle  from  which  his  tea  was 
made.  After  a  sight  of  these  and  other  interesting  and  curious 
relics  the  company  returned  to  the  Chapel  and  were  served  in  the 
dining-room.  On  the  center  table  was  a  large  cake  containing  the 
names  of  all  the  pastors  and  the  supplies  of  the  one  hundred  and 
thirty-nine  years  with  the  dates  1756  and  1895  and  Succasunna 
Presbyterian  Church,  the  lettering  in  deep  pink  on  a  white  icing. 
Old-time  candle-sticks  gave  the  lights  and  from  the  old-time 
memories  came  much  to  cheer.  The  Reunion  and  Review  has  been 
full  of  instruction  and  enjoyment,  and  we  trust  the  Reunion  and 
Review  of  the  next  one  hundred  and  thirty -ninth  year  may  be  as 
profitable  to  those  who  shall  take  up  our  work  in  this  honored 
church,  while  we  look  on  from  the  heights  above  to  see  Zion  going 
forth,  fair  as  the  moon,  clear  as  the  sun,  and  terrible  as  an  army 
with  banners. 


SEVENTY-SEVENTH  BIRTHDAY 

1897 

Dr.  Stoddard's  seventy-seventh  birthday  was  celebrated  in  the 
chapel  with  cakes  and  candles,  Mr.  Elmer  Harrington  presiding. 

A  letter  from  Dr.  Charles  Hastings  Dodd  of  Newark,  was  read 
expressing  regrets  at  absence  and  devoted  wishes  for  the  occasion 
and  many  returns  of  its  sweet  household  joys,  adding: 

"  If  I  could  look  forward  to  such  an  evening  of  my  days,  I  would 
heartily  choose  the  conditions  of  your  life  as  my  model.  What  a 
precious  happiness  is  yours  indeed ! 

"  Only  love  and  loving  presences  will  grace  the  feast.  And  best 
of  all — the  one  presence  of  the  incarnated  Son!  My  dear  Doctor, 
go  on — go  on, — your  influence  is  an  achievement,  with  vastly  more 
momentum  than  the  busy  labors  of  any  one  of  us. 

"God  grant  a  clear  day,  a  dear  day,  and  Heaven  above  your 
roof  true." 

After  the  reading  of  the  letter  Mrs.  Nannie  Riggs  King  stepped 
forward  and  read  a  tribute  to  our  beloved  Pastor  of  thirty-three 
years  on  his  seventy-seventh  birthday. 

"Behold  I  bring  you  tidings  of  great  joy."     Luke  ii,  10. 
"Many  shall  rejoice  at  His  birth."     Luke  i,  14. 

As  angels  sang  at  Bethlehem, 

Rejoicing  at  the  Saviour's  birth, 
When  laying  down  the  diadem 
He  came  to  share  the  life  of  earth, 
His  little  ones  awake  the  strain — 
Their  angels  sing  the  sweet  refrain. 
70 


SEVENTY-SEVENTH  BIRTHDAY  71 

Thus  fragments  of  that  song  have  come 
With  every  child  that  God  has  given, 
To  every  loving  Christian  home 

That  consecrates  its  gifts  to  Heaven. 
Thus  on  and  on  they  still  renew 
In  other  lives,  their  service  true. 

Within  a  household  far  away 

A  joy  was  known  in  which  we  share, 
When  seventy  years  and  seven  this  day 
The  cradle  formed  an  altar  there, 
An  altar  to  the  Holy  One 
For  whom  the  mother  trained  her  son. 

Then  as  he  reached  the  age  of  eleven, 

He  ratified  his  parents  choice, 
And  all  the  years  since  then  were  given 
To  work  in  which  the  good  rejoice. 
Of  them  we  claim  the  thirty-three 
Of  one  continued  ministry. 

As  we  recall  the  past  again, 

The  ties  of  love  we  would  rebind, 
Each  link  of  this  unending  chain, 
With  best  of  wishes  intertwined. 

The  seventy  links  and  seven  are  one, 
To  represent  each  heart  and  home. 

An  emblem  of  the  bands  that  hold 
In  fellowship  the  most  complete. 
The  words  the  fathers  spake  of  old 
Their  children's  children  can  repeat. 
While  unseen  guests  may  also  bring 
A  birthday  wish  and  offering. 


72  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

In  every  link  with  every  name 

Are  seventy  wishes  and  the  seven, 
The  thought  in  one  and  all  the  same, 
Enfolding  all  a  prayer  to  Heaven. 
For  countless  blessings  from  above 
To  crown  a  life  of  faith  and  love. 

With  gratitude  for  vanished  years, 

Committing  those  that  are  to  come 
We  look  beyond  our  joys  and  tears, 
And  see  the  circle  gathered  home. 

Where  all  these  links  of  time  have  given 
Their  jewels  to  the  crown  of  Heaven. 

On  behalf  of  the  seventy-seven,  E.  A.  S. 

As  the  "links"  were  mentioned  Mrs.  Marsh  threw  aside  her 
cape  and  displayed  a  brilliant  chain  of  ribbons — which,  after  the 
words,  "crown  a  life  of  faith  and  love,"  she  gracefully  draped  over 
Dr.  Stoddard's  shoulders.  Mrs.  King  then  resumed  her  reading;  at 
the  close  Mrs.  Marsh  added,  "We  had  designed  one  chain  of  seventy- 
seven  links  but  it  has  grown  to  be  two  chains.  Let  one  represent 
our  grateful  love  for  the  years  that  are  past,  the  other  our  best 
wishes  for  the  years  that  are  to  come,  of  which  we  hope  there  may 
be  many  and  each  crowned  with  God's  blessing."  She  then  deli- 
cately bound  Mrs.  Stoddard  to  Dr.  Stoddard  with  the  ribbon  chain 
— saying  some  touching  words  to  which  the  heart  replied : 

"The  kindness  of  this  people  has  bound  me  to  them  with  ties 
of  steel.  Each  year  has  linked  us  more  closely  in  mutual  sympathy 
and  service.  And  we  trust  whatever  the  future  brings  of  joy  or  of 
sorrow,  that  we  all  may  be  one  in  thought,  in  purpose,  and  in  effort, — 
united  in  Christ,  by  Christ,  and  for  Christ,  and  by  and  by  with 
Christ." 


THE  TRIP  TO  THE  HOLY  LAND 
1898 

Dr.  and  Mrs.  Stoddard  made  part  of  the  Aller  family  in  the 
visit  to  the  Holy  Land,  stopping  at  Gibraltar,  Malaga,  the  Alham- 
bra,  Algiers,  Cairo,  Malta,  and  Joppa,  spending  eleven  days  in 
Jerusalem,  which  gave  time  for  glimpses  of  many  sacred  places  within 
driving  distances,  enabling  them  to  collect  souvenirs  for  all  the 
friends  of  the  home-land.  Returning,  they  visited  Rome  and 
Constantinople.  While  in  the  Bosphorus,  Dr.  Stoddard  preached 
on  board  ship  on,  "Our  Father,  "  and  Dr.  Charles  Robinson  of  New 
York  said  of  it  at  its  close,  "It  was  inspired."  And  many  touching 
incidents  revealed  its  benefits  to  a  congregation  made  up  of  the  most 
varied  elements. 

Arrived  at  Constantinople,  a  drive  of  nine  miles  brought  them 
to  Robert  College,  where  they  were  guests  for  the  night,  and  on 
the  morrow  were  enabled  to  visit  all  educational  centres  as  well 
as  to  indulge  in  museums  and  bazaars,  under  the  escort  of  students. 
One  of  the  most  interesting  calls  was  on  Dr.  Elias  Riggs,  the  senior 
missionary  of  the  Board,  at  his  residence  in  Scutari,  Asia,  which  was 
reached  by  crossing  from  Stamboul  in  Europe  by  a  ferry-boat. 

On  the  return  Dr.  Stoddard  was  allowed  by  the  courtesy  of  the 
collector  of  the  port  of  New  York  to  pay  duty  on  his  immense  boxes 
from  Jerusalem,  and  then  the  frail  things  were  not  sent  to  the 
Custom  House  but  to  Succasunna.  These  boxes  contained  curios 
and  remembrances  from  Egypt  and  the  Holy  Land. 

As  symbolical  of  the  staff  of  office,  the  elders  and  trustees  of  the 
church  were  presented  with  canes  from  the  oak  of  Bashan.  Olive 
wood  in  a  wonderful  variety  of  ornamental  and  useful  articles  gave 
the  ladies  and  friends  attractive  souvenirs.  There  were  six  hundred 
albums  of  pressed  flowers  with  covers  of  olive  wood,  and  cards  of 

73 


74  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

the  preserved  blossoms  in  great  abundance,  also  little  olive  wood 
tablets  for  the  pulpit  with  the  monogram  of  Jerusalem,  Jordan  water 
for  the  baptismal  font,  soil  from  Gethsemane,  water  from  the  Dead 
Sea,  shells  from  Joppa,  the  port  of  Jerusalem,  stones  from  ruins,  models 
of  domestic  articles,  dolls  to  represent  the  babe  in  swaddling  clothes 
and  a  Bethlehem  bride,  embroidered  suits  and  veils,  peasant  dresses, 
an  Arab  costume  with  the  John  the  Baptist  camel's-hair  garment. 

These  have  been  very  useful  in  illustrating  Oriental  life  in 
connection  with  the  stereopticon  record  of  the  journey. 

1898 
THE  SEVENTY-EIGHTH    BIRTHDAY 

RECEPTION  TO  DR.  STODDARD 

Last  Tuesday  evening  a  reception  was  tendered  by  the  Church 
people  to  Rev.  Dr.  and  Mrs.  E.  W.  Stoddard.  It  was  intended  as 
a  welcome  back  home  after  his  trip  to  Palestine,  also  to  commemo- 
rate his  seventy-eighth  birthday  and  to  signalize  the  completion 
of  his  thirty-fourth  year  as  Pastor  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 
The  exercises  were  held  in  the  Chapel  and  a  large  number  of  friends 
were  present.  Rev.  J.  E.  Hancock  of  the  Methodist  Church  pre- 
sided. Rev.  Dr.  David  Spencer  offered  the  opening  prayer,  followed 
with  a  solo  by  Joseph  Harris  accompanied  on  the  organ  by  Miss 
Sue  Coursen,  in  singing  the  following  welcome-hymn,  composed 
for  the  occasion : 

Tune — "Even  Me.1' 

Hear,  our  Father,  our  thanksgiving, 
As  our  greetings  we  would  bring, 
To  our  well-beloved  Pastor, 

While  with  grateful  hearts  we  sing, 
Welcome  home,  welcome  home, 
Faithful  Pastor,  welcome  home! 


THE  SEVENTY-EIGHTH  BIRTHDAY  75 

O'er  the  trackless  waste  of  ocean, 
O'er  the  deep,  blue,  inland  sea, 
Over  mountain,  vale,  and  desert, 
Jesus  safe — did  pilot  thee; 

Welcome  home,  welcome  home, 
Faithful  Pastor,  welcome  home! 

Thou  hast  stood  by  Bethlehem's  manger, 

Walked  in  sad  Gethsemane, 
Traced  the  paths  of  love  and  blessing, 
To  the  Cross  of  Calvary, 

Welcome  home,  welcome  home, 
Faithful  Pastor,  welcome  home! 

Welcome  home!  enthused,  enladen, 

With  the  thirty  years  and  four, 
Wear  the  crown  of  sheaves  you  gathered 
From  the  "foot-prints"  of  that  shore; 
Welcome  home,  welcome  home, 
Faithful  Pastor,  welcome  home! 

Seventy  years  and  eight  are  numbered, 

On  the  milestone  of  this  day, 
Gratefully  are  they  remembered, 
While  for  years  to  come  we  pray, 
Welcome  home,  welcome  home, 
Faithful  Pastor,  welcome  home ! 

Tell  again  "the  old,  old  story," 

Learned  anew  at  Calvary, 
Till  in  realms  of  endless  glory, 
Gathered  home  beyond  the  sea; 
Safely  home,  safely  home, 
Pastor — flock,  all  welcomed  home ! 

E.  A.  S. 


76  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

Rev.  J.  E.  Hancock  made  some  pleasant  remarks.  He  was 
followed  by  Dr.  Spencer.  Then  came  a  musical  trio  consisting  of 
cornet,  Joseph  Harris;  violin,  Elmer  Gardner;  organ,  Miss  Sue 
Coursen;  which  rendered  very  sweetly,  "Home,  Sweet  Home." 
Rev.  W.  H.  Morgan,  of  the  Central  M.  E.  Church,  Newark, 
formerly  of  Port  Morris,  made  an  address  full  of  interest  and  pa- 
thos. Dr.  Stoddard  spoke  with  great  fervor  and  appreciation  of  the 
interest  shown.  "Blest  be  the  tie  that  binds,"  was  sung,  when 
all  repaired  to  the  basement  and  were  served  with  ice  cream  and 
cake. 


1898 


This  year's  record  had  another  specially  marked  day.  On 
April  2Oth,  in  the  Peddie  Memorial  Church  of  Newark,  Dr. 
Stoddard  stood  at  the  marble  altar  with  the  happy  groom  to  wel- 
come the  incomparable  bride,  who  from  earliest  childhood  had  been 
so  dear  to  the  parsonage  at  Succasunna. 

The  beautiful  scene  and  service  was  the  theme  in  many  homes 
after  the  great  congregation  had  been  permitted  to  express  their 
congratulations  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Tonzo  Sauvage  in  their  own  home, 
where  the  most  elaborate  refreshments  were  in  keeping  with  all  the 
appointments  of  the  day. 

The  dedication  of  the  Peddie  Memorial  Church  had  been  an 
event  in  the  fifty  years  of  this  pastorate.  Dr.  Stoddard  had  been 
honored  with  an  invitation  to  the  laying  of  the  corner-stone,  and  at 
its  dedication,  standing  in  the  cathedral  pulpit,  the  rich,  deep 
tones  of  the  man  of  God  seemed  to  bring  a  message  from  the  Word 
to  every  heart,  and  the  wonderfully  impressive  prayer  drew  all  very 
near  to  the  Father  who  is  in  Heaven  because  of  the  deepest  sym- 
pathy with  the  purpose  of  love  and  gratitude  that  had  devised 
and  given  this  new  Sabbath  Home. 


MEMORIAL  AND  DEDICATIONAL  HYMN  77 


Between  the  cherubim  to  dwell, 
O  Lord,  the  God  of  Israel, 

To  this  new  Temple  come ! 
The  Ark  of  Covenant  divine, 
The  mercy  seat,  the  holy  shrine, 

With  Thy  Shekinah  crown ! 

The  men  of  God  who  fed  the  light, 
And  kept  the  altar  fire  so  bright, 

Within  the  sacred  place, 
Beyond  the  vail  the  incense  bear, 
In  golden  vials  full  of  prayer, 

Before  the  throne  of  grace. 

And  clouds  of  witnesses  are  given, 
As  we  would  dedicate  to  Heaven, 

A  gift  of  grateful  love. 
Rejoicing  with  the  sainted  one 
That  this,  his  cherished  work,  is  done 

They  come  from  realms  above. 

The  absent  are,  in  spirit  near, 
Uniting  in  the  service  here, 

In  song  almost  divine; 
Presenting  this  thank  offering 
For  guidance  in  the  journeying 

Of  all  the  years  of  time. 


78  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

A  record  of  the  coming  age 
Is  graven  on  this  stony  page, 

That  earthly  gifts  abide, 
If  linked  in  holy  word  or  thought, 
And  into  loving  service  wrought, 

Before  the  eventide. 

The  portals  of  thy  house,  O  Lord, 
We  open,  at  thy  spoken  word, 

Inviting  all  to  come; 
Give  blessing  to  the  stranger  guest, 
And  to  the  faint  and  weary  rest, 

In  this  their  Father's  home. 

And  when  we  join  the  bright  array 
Who  fill  these  arches  here  to-day, 

The  unseen  angel  band, 
May  thousands,  from  this  Temple  gate, 
Be  welcomed  by  the  friends  who  wait 

In  yonder  Heavenly  land ! 


E.  A.  S. 


MAY  i,  1899 
THIRTY-FIFTH  ANNIVERSARY 

REV.   DR.   E.   W.    STODDARD     PREACHES    HIS     THIRTY-FIFTH  ANNIVER- 
SARY   SERMON 

Rev.  E.  W.  Stoddard,  D.D.,  completed  his  thirty-fifth  year  as 
Pastor  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  at  Succasunna  on  May  1st. 
He  preached  the  anniversary  sermon  of  the  event  from  the  text, 
Matthew  xiii,  3,  "A  sower  went  forth  to  sow." 

The  sermon  was  a  rich  unfolding  of  the  thought  in  the  text  and 
of  the  scenes  which  suggested  it.  God  was  the  first  husbandman 
and  man  was  His  gardener.  God  committed  precious  seed  to-day 
to  His  ministry,  the  seed  for  the  nourishment  of  the  soul.  Very 
touching  tributes  were  paid  to  the  Elders  and  to  the  members  who 
have  been  welcomed  to  the  fellowship  of  the  Church  of  the  first 
born.  The  work  of  the  Church  has  been  sowing,  cultivating,  and 
harvesting. 

During  these  thirty-five  years,  375  members  have  been  added 
to  the  church,  227  have  removed  or  died,  and  148  are  on  the  church 
record  to-day;  fourteen  of  these  are  of  the  original  members.  All 
the  Elders  and  Trustees  who  signed  the  call  have  passed  away  except- 
ing one  Trustee.  There  remains  still  work  in  seed  sowing  and 
harvesting  and  what  the  Church  needs  is  renewed  consecration  in 
the  work  of  the  Lord.  During  the  period,  533  funerals  have  been 
attended,  indicating  that  death  is  harvesting  faster  than  the  Church. 
The  following  lines  closed  the  sermon  for  which  they  had  been 
prepared : 

79 


8o  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

Beside  the  Galilean  sea, 
Two  thousand  years  ago, 

A  part  of  spring-time  history, 
"A  sower  went  forth  to  sow." 

And  Jesus  used  the  simile 

To  illustrate  the  word 
Committed  to  His  ministry, 

"The  seed,  the  word  of  God." 

He  sends  them  forth  the  fields  to  sow 
As  faithful  hands  prepare. 

Thus  thirty  years  and  five  ago 
I  came  your  work  to  share. 

Around  me  gathered  such  a  band 
As  makes  the  weakest  strong, 

And  heart  to  heart  and  hand  to  hand, 
As  one  we  labored  long. 

But  there  are  fields  beyond  the  stream, 
And  some  are  wanted  there, 

This  border  land  that  lies  between 
The  chosen  ones  must  spare. 

But  while  the  fathers  pass  away 
They  leave  the  precious  Word, 

Their  children  sowing  in  their  day 
To  meet  a  coming  need. 

Thus  year  by  year  the  budding  leaf, 

Maturing  into  grain, 
Will  yield  the  full,  the  golden  sheaf, 

To  plant  and  sow  again. 


DR.  STODDARD'S  BIRTHDAY  81 

Until  the  day  of  days  shall  come, 

When  all  who  toil  or  wait, 
Shall  help  to  bear  the  harvest  home 

Through  yonder  open  gate. 

APRIL  23,  1899 
DR.  STODDARD'S  BIRTHDAY 

AND  A  DAY  TO    BE   REMEMBERED   BY  HIS   CONGREGATION 

The  Presbyterian  Church  of  Succasunna  last  Sunday  recognized 
the  seventy-ninth  birthday  of  the  Pastor  of  thirty-five  years  by  a 
very  full  attendance  and  by  many  beautiful  floral  gifts.  Behind 
the  pulpit,  just  above  the  Pastor's  chair,  was  a  large  and  beautiful 
Christian  flag  the  remembrance  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Tonzo  Sauvage, 
of  Newark. 

The  Pastor  made  some  most  touching  remarks  about  the  flowers, 
the  flag,  and  the  years.  He  alluded  to  the  near  completion  of 
thirty-five  years,  saying  the  service  had  been  very  pleasant  to  him- 
self; he  had  tried  to  do  all  that  he  could  for  his  people.  It  had  not 
yielded  all  the  fruitage  desired  but  the  promises  were  unfailing.  He 
remarked  also  that  it  was  evident  by  these  tokens  all  around  him 
that  his  people  were  not  reserving  "the  alabaster  box  or  vase." 
He  assured  them  of  his  appreciation  of  these  expressions  of  remem- 
brance and  then  he  gave  a  most  excellent  sermon  on,  "Christ,  the 
Way,  the  Truth,  the  Life,"  John  xiv,  6. 

At  the  close  of  this  service  a  new  service  began.  In  accordance 
with  a  notice  from  the  Session  and  Trustees  the  Pastor  had  re- 
quested the  congregation  to  tarry  five  minutes.  He  supplemented 
this  notice  with  remarks  concerning  the  recent  parish  meeting,  as  he 
evidently  supposed  the  present  call  was  in  some  way  connected  with 
that  meeting,  and  concluded  with,  "if  we  stay  we  shall  know  the 


82  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

reason  of  the  call."  He  little  realized  that  the  people  knew  already. 
Immediately  after  the  benediction  the  Session  and  Trustees  formed 
a  circle  around  the  desk  and  Henry  Meeker  spoke  as  follows : 

"Dr.  Stoddard,  on  this,  your  seventy-ninth  birthday,  the  official 
members  of  the  Church  and  congregation  and  all  your  friends  wish 
to  extend  to  you  the  hand  of  Christian  fellowship  and  congratula- 
tion. Very  soon,  thirty-five  years  of  faithful  service  will  be  com- 
pleted. Yours,  indeed,  is  a  peculiar  position.  Since  your  coming 
here  a  generation  has  grown  up  and  another  generation  has  passed 
away.  The  generation  that  has  passed  away  were  comforted  and 
strengthened  by  your  prayers,  wise  counsels,  and  kindly  ministra- 
tions. The  present  generation  owe  much  to  you  for  what  you  have 
done  for  them  in  the  Sunday-school,  the  pulpit,  and  by  personal  work, 
and  it  is  our  prayer,  Dr.  Stoddard,  that  the  Lord  may  grant  you 
many  days  and  years  of  usefulness  with  us,  and  may  the  work  you 
have  done  be  prospered  and  the  seeds  of  truth  you  have  sown  in 
the  hearts  of  your  people  find  root  and  bear  rich  fruitage,  even  a 
hundred-fold." 

After  the  reading  the  Session  and  Trustees  shook  hands  with 
their  Pastor,  who,  coming  to  the  front  pew  in  the  middle  aisle,  re- 
ceived the  congratulations  of  the  entire  congregation  as  they  passed 
in  one  unbroken  stream  around  the  aisles.  It  was  to  him  a  most 
complete  and  touching  surprise  and  it  was  most  gratifying.  Thirty- 
five  years  implants  and  nurtures  many  ties  between  a  Pastor  and  his 
people  and  an  opportunity  for  expression  is  a  mutual  benediction. 


JUNE  27,  1899 
AN   INTERESTING   REUNION 

DR.  STODDARD  ELECTED  PRESIDENT  OF  HIS  CLASS,  AMHERST,  '49 

Among  the  interesting  features  of  commencement  week  at 
Amherst,  Mass.,  was  the  jubilee  reunion  of  the  Class  of  '49.  Eight 
of  the  sixteen  survivors  of  the  fifty-one  members  of  the  original  class 
gathered  on  the  porch  of  Professor  Hitchcock's  beautiful  home, 
when  the  Rev.  Dr.  E.  W.  Stoddard  was  elected  president  of  the 
Alumni  Class  of  '49.  Letters  were  read  from  absent  members — 
one  from  China,  one  from  San  Francisco,  one  from  Pennsylvania, 
where  a  classmate  has  been  in  one  parish  forty-six  years.  The  class 
poem  was  read,  a  bountiful  luncheon  was  served,  and  then  the  class 
rode  to  call  on  an  old  lady  of  ninety-eight  years,  a  Mrs.  Emerson, 
the  mother  of  the  class  valedictorian.  They  also  drove  to  the  col- 
lege buildings,  where  they  were  greeted  and  welcomed  with  much 
enthusiasm  and  great  honor  by  class  after  class.  At  the  alumni 
dinner  on  the  following  day  they  had  central  seats  and  received 
marked  attention,  Dr.  Stoddard  being  called  upon  to  give  thanks 
for  the  engathered  five  hundred.  Their  class  had  included  a 
president  of  Amherst  College,  a  professor  of  thirty-eight  years 
standing,  Dr.  Hitchcock,  to  whom  was  presented  a  loving  cup,  and 
on  whom  was  conferred  the  honorary  degree  of  LL.D.,  which  had 
been  conferred  on  Dr.  Rolfe,  of  Cambridge,  Mass.  Missionaries 
and  judges  and  men  in  high  esteem  in  business  circles  were  also  once 
students  in  this  class  and  their  reminiscences  and  reunion  was  of 
an  unusually  interesting  character. 

83 


84  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

"  Ye  shall  hallow  the  fiftieth  year  and  return 
Every  one  to  his  own,  was  the  mandate  Divine. 

In  our  jubilee  year,  where  the  camp-fires  still  burn 
We  would  gather  once  more  as  the  class  "Forty-nine." 

There  were  fifty-one  students  in  that  olden  time 

Who  thus  honored  the  class  by  long  hours  and  hard  toil, 

There  were  thirty-two  names  in  the  year  forty-nine, 

And  their  parchments  gave  witness  to  much  midnight  oil. 

As  the  roll  call  is  answered  to-day  by  a  few 

They  respond  for  the  absent  who  still  are  our  own, 

For  the  friendships  we  formed  are  so  loyal  and  true 
That  as  one  in  all  records  of  time  we  are  known. 

And  perchance  as  we  listen  some  message  may  come 
In  some  sweet  benediction  to  hallow  the  day, 

That  each  memory  fond,  of  this  dear  college  home 
May  inspire  and  encourage  for  life's  work  and  way. 

And  when  folded  the  tent  that  has  sheltered  in  time, 
And  the  new  life  shall  open,  may  welcomes  be  given 

To  a  band  reunited — the  class  "Forty -nine" — 

In  the  friendships  and  service  and  glory  of  Heaven. 

E.  A.  S. 
Amherst,  Mass. 


A  RECEPTION  FOR  DR.  CONRAD  OTTO  STUMPF, 
AUGUST,  1899 

The  reception  for  Dr.  and  Mrs.  C.  Otto  Stumpf  on  Tuesday 
evening  brought  together  more  than  a  hundred  of  their  friends  and 
a  host  of  others  sent  regrets  and  best  wishes.  The  room  was  taste- 
fully decorated.  The  large  silk  Christian  flag  was  draped  over  the 
alcove  so  that  the  cross  was  just  at  the  centre.  The  flag  of  China 
was  arranged  with  that  of  our  own  beloved  land,  which  we  esteem 
as  the  more  worthy  of  the  title  of  the  "Celestial."  The  Persian 
flag  was  also  placed  by  the  Stars  and  Stripes,  thus  representing 
the  Son  and  the  Daughter  who  represent  the  mother  church  on  the 
foreign  field. 

After  the  congratulations  and  pleasant  exchanges,  Joseph  Harris 
sang  the  hymn  prepared  for  the  occasion  and  the  choir  led  the 
friends  in  the  chorus.  Then  Mrs.  Marsh,  escorted  by  two  little 
girls  carrying  a  chain  of  ribbons,  came  up  the  aisle  to  Dr.  and  Mrs. 
Stumpf  and  presented  the  hundred  silken  links,  as  an  emblem  of  the 
linking  and  interlinking  of  our  work  and  of  our  sympathy.  As 
each  ribbon  contained  the  name  of  the  donor  (and  some  of  them 
were  elaborately  painted  or  embroidered),  and  as  the  arrangement 
of  colors  was  most  tasteful,  the  chain  was  very  ornamental  as  it 
encircled  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Stumpf  where  Mrs.  Marsh  entwined  it  after 
the  touching  and  appropriate  remarks,  which  had  voiced  her  own 
heart  and  the  hearts  of  the  friends  thus  represented. 

After  the  singing  of  the  hymn,  "Moment  by  Moment,"  Dr. 
Stoddard  and  Henry  Meeker  approached  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Stumpf, 
Mr.  Meeker  holding  the  beautiful  clock,  which,  as  president  of  the 
Christian  Endeavor  Society,  he  was  to  present  on  behalf  of  the 

85 


86  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

Society.  Dr.  Stoddard  made  some  happy  allusions  to  the  striking 
of  this  clock  and  the  answer  of  OUT  own.  Each  would  number 
twelve,  but  one  would  announce  the  midnight  and  one  the  noon 
hour,  yet  we  would  both  count  twelve  and  remember  one  another 
for  we  will  still  be  one  in  heart,  in  purpose,  in  hope,  and,  by  and  by, 
one  where  the  hours  are  not  measured  or  the  joys  numbered. 

After  the  presentation,  cake  and  cream  were  served,  and  at  the 
close  of  this  social  hour  Dr.  Potter  was  requested  to  lead  us  in 
prayer  for  the  safety  and  blessing  of  the  friends  going  out  from  us 
and  bearing  so  much  of  our  love  and  thought  into  their  distant 
home.  At  the  close  of  this  petition  and  benediction  Dr.  Stoddard 
started,  "Praise  God  from  whom  all  blessings  flow,"  and  the 
company  parted,  saying  in  their  hearts,  "God  be  with  you  till  we 
meet  again." 

The  following  were  printed  on  the  souvenir  programme : 

"And  sent  them  two  and  two  before  His  face  into  every  city  and  place  whither  He 
Himself  would  come." 

"Heal  the  sick  that  are  therein  and  say  unto  them,  'The  kingdom  of  God  is  come 
nigh  unto  you.'"  Luke  x,  i,  9. 

Before  His  face  to  every  place 

Where  He  Himself  would  come 
Our  Lord  is  sending  by  His  Grace 

To  every  heart  and  home. 

The  messengers  to  every  clime 

Go  forth  at  His  command, 
That  earth  redeemed  by  touch  Divine 

May  be  Immanuel's  land. 

He  honors  by  a  mission  high 

Another  of  our  own, 
And  in  the  coming  by  and  by, 

When  reaped  the  harvests  sown, 


A  RECEPTION  FOR  DR.  CONRAD  OTTO  STUMPF        87 

The  Lord  will  give  as  has  been  given, 

And  at  the  Father's  door 
The  welcomes  of  the  home  of  Heaven 

Unite  forevermore. 

CHORUS 

With  the  cross,  with  the  cross, 

And  its  shadow  of  light, 
That  has  healing  and  strength  in  each  ray, 

You  go  forth  by  faith,  precious  in  His  light. 
Who  will  guide,  who  will  guard  all  the  way. 


"The  Lord  bless  thee  and  keep  thee."  "The  Lord  make  His  face 
shine  upon  thee  and  be  gracious  unto  thee."  "The  Lord  lift  up  His 
countenance  upon  thee  and  give  thee  peace."  Numbers  vi,  24-26. 


EIGHTIETH  BIRTHDAY 
1900 

The  eightieth  birthday  engathered  the  invited  guests  of  the 
parish  with  kindred  and  friends  from  near  and  afar. 

Addresses  were  made  by  ministers  and  laymen.  They  were 
most  beautiful  tributes  of  the  fellowship  of  neighboring  churches. 
Letters  came  from  the  absent.  A  mysterious  box  containing 
eighty  silver  dollars  was  presented  with  appropriate  remarks.  A 
line  enclosed  therein  explained  the  addition  of  a  few  gold  pieces 
and  some  crisp  bills  as  looking  forward  to  years  still  to  be  numbered. 

The  response  was  worthy  of  the  man  they  delighted  to  honor. 

His  appreciation  was  beyond  expression  but  somehow  he  con- 
trived to  let  the  people  understand  that  their  message  was  under- 
stood and  called  forth  the  deep  love  of  a  grateful  heart.  The  social 
hour  with  its  refreshments  gave  opportunity  for  many  exchanges 
of  friendship,  and  we  are  all  thankful  for  the  privilege  of  bringing 
our  flowers  when  they  could  be  so  thoroughly  enjoyed. 

1900 

TO  REVEREND  DOCTOR  ELIJAH  W.  STODDARD,  ON  HIS 
EIGHTIETH  BIRTHDAY,  APRIL  THE  TWENTY- 
THIRD,  NINETEEN  HUNDRED 

Serus  in  coelum  redeas. — Horace. 
(May  your  return  to  Heaven  be  long  hence). 

Moses  in  his  lofty  psalm 
In  his  philosophic  calm, 
Muses  o'er  life's  little  round 
With  sublimity  profound, 
88 


EIGHTIETH  BIRTHDAY  89 

Thinking  of  the  time  of  man 
As  a  very  narrow  span, 
Even  in  its  fourscore  years, 
Seen  awhile,  then  disappears, 
And  within  the  heavenly  care, 
Seeks  for  wisdom  in  his  prayer. 

Doubtless  he  was  then  as  old 
As  those  numbered  days  he  told, 
Feeling  that  his  work  was  done, 
And  its  honors  had  been  won, 
Seeming  to  forget  his  eye 
Had  its  wonted  brilliancy ; 
Overlooking  he  was  strong 
As  the  youthful  in  the  throng, 
Learning  that  his  country's  story 
Would  illumine  him  with  glory 
Later  in  his  victory, 
That  would  set  his  people  free. 

Now,  my  friend,  in  youthful  age, 

With  the  wisdom  of  the  sage, 

In  the  midst  of  prayer  and  praise 

Going  up  from  many  ways, 

Do  not  think  it  is  Good-bye 

To  thy  further  ministry. 

Still  with  head,  and  heart,  and  hand, 

Onward  is  a  goodly  land. 

Thou  wert  favored  in  thy  birth, 
In  a  line  of  pious  worth, 
Running  back  with  pride  to  meet 
Those  in  memory  ever  sweet. 
Edwards,  great  as  he  was  good, 
Had  in  common  Stoddard  blood, 


90  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

And  if  talents  we  inherit 
From  our  mothers,  rare  in  merit, 
Then  that  thinker  has  his  fame 
From  the  worthy  Stoddard  name. 

Happy  childhood  comes  again, 
When  we  see  the  future  men 
And  the  women  who  will  be 
Loved,  or  in  unloved  degree, 
And  thou  art  in  childhood's  ways, 
Romping  in  its  rounds  of  plays. 
Youth  has  morning's  rising  glow, 
Hopes  of  manhood  soon  to  know, 
Full  of  duties,  joys,  and  cares, 
Rich  with  father's,  mother's  prayers. 

Tasks  upon  the  homestead  farm, 
Without  love,  may  have  a  charm, 
And  the  teacher,  rule  in  hand, 
Learns  obedience  to  command, 
With  the  college  on  before 
With  its  depths  of  classic  lore, 
With  divinity  in  view, 
To  be  faithful  there  and  true. 
Honored  Doctor,  they  who  win 
Many  from  the  wiles  of  sin 
To  the  righteous,  stars  shall  be! 
Such  reward  shall  come  to  thee ! 
Then  thy  Saviour  shall  thee  crown 
With  His  wreathings  of  renown. 

Heaven  and  earth  will  witness  now 
All  that  kindles  up  thy  brow. 
God  may  have  in  goodness  yet 
E'en  some  brighter  coronet 


EIGHTIETH  BIRTHDAY  91 

To  adorn  thee  further  here. 

Be  thy  going  far  or  near, 

When  it  comes,  'twill  glorious  be, 

Like  Elijah's, — heaven  to  see ! 

Music,  song,  and  speech  have  blest ! 

Blessings  on  thee  ever  rest ! 

J.  HERVEY  COOK. 
Fishkill-on-the-Hudson. 

TO  THE  HONORED  PATRIARCH,  REV.  ELIJAH  WOODWARD 
STODDARD,  D.D.,  ON  THE  EIGHTIETH  BIRTHDAY 

We  bid  thee  hail  on  this  memorial  day, 

And  thank  kind  heaven  that  bids  thee  longer  stay 

To  shed  the  blessing  of  serene  old  age 

Upon  a  host  of  friends  who  throng  life's  stage. 

Friendship  and  love  unite  in  sweet  accord, 

To  honor  thee,  dear  servant  of  the  Lord, 

Now  eighty  years  have  crowned  thy  blameless  life, 

Enshrined  its  virtues,  smoothed  all  toil  and  strife. 

Long  may 'st  thou  live,  in  piety  and  peace ; 

Until  the  Master  gives  benign  release, 

And  bids  thee  enter  into  endless  joy, 

Where  praise  and  love  shall  be  thy  blest  employ. 

April  23,  1900. 

CHARLES  AUGUSTUS  STODDARD. 


MAY  19,  1901 
THE  FIFTEENTH  ANNIVERSARY  OF  THE  CHAPEL 

Miss  Fanny  Parsons,  of  Joppa,  Syria,  spoke  in  the  morning 
of  the  features  of  the  work  in  Palestine  and  the  race  prejudice  to 
be  met;  in  the  afternoon  she  illustrated  domestic  life  and  customs 
by  a  rare  selection  of  Oriental  articles,  among  them  a  fishnet  such 
as  was  used  in  the  time  of  Christ,  and  dresses  of  natives  together 
with  specimens  of  their  work. 

The  Mission  Band,  the  Boys'  Brigade,  and  their  guests  wore 
little  sickles  made  of  stout  card-board,  with  the  word  "Reapers" 
on  the  crescent  of  the  sickle  and  on  the  reverse  the  text:  "The 
harvest  truly  is  great,  but  the  laborers  are  few."  "Will  you  be 
one?"  All  joined  in  singing  the  hymn  written  for  that'  question: 

To  fields  already  white, 
And  for  the  sickle  ripe, 

The  Reapers  come. 
With  sheaves  of  golden  grain 
Engathered  from  the  plain, 
They  join  the  homeward  train, — 

Will  you  be  one? 

The  harvests  rich  have  grown 
Where  our  beloved  have  strewn, 

Their  work  goes  on 
As  Reapers  join  the  Band 
To  glean  their  Master's  land, 
For  those  across  the  strand — 

Will  you  be  one? 
92 


THE  FIFTEENTH  ANNIVERSARY  OF  THE  CHAPEL       93 

Then  as  the  Lord  receives 
The  last  of  gathered  sheaves, 

You  may  be  one 
With  those  whose  harvests  sown 
You  reap  to  carry  home 
Where  Christ  Himself  shall  crown 

With  His  "Well  Done." 

The  assemblage  listened  to  Miss  Parsons  with  the  closest  atten- 
tion. "You  need  Christ  and  Christ  needs  you, "  was  sung,  and  then 
all  went  out  to  the  music  of  a  processional  to  lay  flowers  on  Linnet's 
resting-place. 

In  the  evening  Miss  Parsons  gave  her  personal  experience  in 
mission  work  in  Jerusalem  and  Joppa,  with  many  interesting  inci- 
dents of  school  life,  one  of  which  should  be  repeated:  Her  little 
girls  had  heard  some  one  speak  of  the  great  wretchedness  and 
wickedness  existing  in  Jerusalem,  and  going  alone  to  pray  they 
earnestly  asked  God  to  help  and  bless  these  people.  Then  they 
sang  a  very  joyful  hymn,  and  when  asked  about  it  said:  "We 
prayed;  God  will  hear  because  He  has  promised,  and  we  thought 
we  would  thank  Him  by  our  hymn  of  praise."  As  Miss  Parsons 
said,  Jesus  loves  the  land  of  his  earthly  home,  and  He  will  in  his 
own  time  redeem  it  unto  himself. 


APRIL  236,  1902 

A  RECEPTION  AT  THE  PARSONAGE  WITH  FAVORS  RECOGNIZED 
THE  EIGHTY-FIRST  BIRTHDAY. 

Selections  from  a  letter  of  John  L.  Kanouse. 

Owing  to  my  advanced  age  it  will  be  quite  impossible  for  me 
to  be  present,  but  I  wish  to  extend  to  you  my  congratulations,  both 
on  the  years  you  have  lived,  and  your  long  connection  with  the 
church  at  Succasunna. 

I  am  now  walking  in  my  ninety-second  year,  and  if  I  could  be 
present,  I  would  probably  be  the  only  one  whose  memory  dates 
back  to  the  days  of  the  first  church  building  erected  in  Succasunna 
which  we  find  stated  in  the  history  of  Morris  County,  was  in  1760. 

During  the  pastorate  of  my  uncle,  Rev.  Peter  Kanouse,  which 
commenced  in  1823,  I  was  for  a  time  a  member  of  his  family.  I 
was  a  student  at  the  Academy  which  Ezra  Fairchild  had  established 
and  conducted  successfully  for  the  education  of  pupils,  both  in 
the  primary  and  more  advanced  branches  of  study,  including  Latin 
and  Greek  and  Mathematics,  intending  to  fit  young  men  for  entering 
college. 

The  Academy  occupied  a  two-story  building  with  a  cupola  and 
a  bell,  and  at  that  time  stood  on  the  side  of  the  Main  street  near 
where  now  stands  the  hotel  building. 

I  well  remember  the  old  church  as  it  was  in  my  school  days; 
it  was  a  building  whose  main  characteristic  was  its  strength,  for 
the  timbers  used  in  its  frame  were  massive;  the  corner  posts  evi- 
dently were  hewn  out  of  large  oak  trees;  there  was  no  steeple  and 
no  bell;  there  were  rudely  formed  seats,  very  unlike  the  cushioned 

94 


A  RECEPTION  AT  THE  PARSONAGE  95 

and  upholstered  seats  of  the  present  day.  The  pulpit  was  quite 
elevated  from  the  floor  and  plainly  furnished.  But  we  can  imagine 
that  those  bare  and  homely  seats  were  occupied  by  a  sturdy  people, 
many  coming  a  long  distance,  and  all  eager  and  attentive  listeners 
to  the  words  of  the  Pastor, — words  of  truth,  holiness,  and  power. 

We  cannot  but  feel  the  strength  of  the  church  was  not  confined 
alone  to  the  building.  There  were  godly  men  and  women  in  those 
early  days,  who  were  willing  to  make  sacrifices  that  the  church 
might  be  maintained. 

In  reverting  again  to  my  school  days  in  this  place  I  would  like 
to  speak  of  the  main  industry  of  that  time.  Iron-ore  mining  opera- 
tions were  carried  on  extensively,  and  daily  could  be  seen  wagons 
laden  with  ore,  passing  through  the  place,  conveying  it  to  the 
different  forges  in  this  region.  The  Governor  Dickerson  Mine  was 
the  most  noted  at  that  time  in  Morris  County.  Governor  Dicker- 
son  was  a  regular  attendant  upon  the  services  of  the  church;  every 
Sabbath  saw  him  in  his  pew. 

In  the  time  I  spent  in  Succasunna  communication  with  the 
outside  world  was  of  a  limited  nature;  no  railway  trains,  electric 
cars,  or  automobiles;  the  slow  but  steady-going  stage-coach  carried 
the  mails  and  passengers,  through  storm  or  sunshine,  wind  or  rain 
or  snow,  through  mud  or  dust,  daylight  or  darkness.  The  present 
generation  can  hardly  realize  the  discomforts  of  such  a  mode  of 
traveling. 

During  the  visit  of  General  Lafayette  in  1825,  we  school  boys 
had  heard  he  would  be  in  Morristown  on  a  certain  day ;  our  patriot- 
ism was  kindled  and  we  felt  we  must  see  him;  it  would  be  an  event 
never  to  be  forgotten  by  us.  Our  teachers  shared  our  spirit,  and 
together  we  rode  in  large  open  wagons  the  ten  long  miles.  But 
our  weariness  counted  for  nothing,  for  we  saw  General  Lafayette 
as  he  walked  in  a  procession  down  what  is  now  South  Street, 
Morristown. 

I  can  after  the  lapse  of  so  many  years  recall  to  mind  his  looks 


96  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

and  general  appearance.     He  was  a  tall,  spare,  elderly  man,  with 
a  slight  limp  in  his  walk. 

And  now  I  must  close,  again  extending  my  congratulations. 
Please  accept  them, 

From  your  friend, 

JOHN  L.  KANOUSE. 
Boonton,  June  2,  1902. 

Written  in  his  own  hand. 


JUNE  3,  1902 
ANNIVERSARY    YEAR— MARKING   THESE    DATES 

April  23.     Dr.  Stoddard's  eighty-second  Birthday. 

May     i .     Completing  thirty-eight  years  of  pastorate  in  Succasunna. 

June     7.     The    fiftieth    anniversary    of   graduation    from    Union 

Theological  Seminary,  N.  Y. 
June  14.     The  fiftieth  anniversary  of  ordination  to  the  ministry 

by  the  Third  Presbytery  of  New  York  City. 

Also  the  one  hundred  and  forty-third  anniversary  of  the  organiza- 
tion of  the  church  at  Succasunna,  N.  J. 

ANNIVERSARY  HYMN 

Over  the  Bridge  of  Memory 

The  laurels  we  entwine 
To  crown  a  half  a  Century 

Of  consecrated  time. 

Over  the  Bridge  of  Memory 

We  number,  one  by  one, 
The  Thirty-Eight  of  ministry 

In  this,  our  Sabbath  Home. 

Over  the  Bridge  of  Memory 

The  "Eighty  Years  and  two1' 
Are  chiming  their  own  melody, 

While  passing  in  review. 
97 


98  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

And  in  the  dear  Church  History, 

That  we  to-day  unfold, 
The  years  one  hundred  forty-three 

Pour  out  their  wealth  untold. 

Over  the  Bridge  of  Memory 

With  golden  sheaves  we  come 
The  harvests  that  so  cheerfully 

We  reap  for  those  at  home. 

Over  the  Bridge  of  Hope  we  come 

Along  the  pathways  trod 
By  those  who  wrought,  by  those  who  won 

As  they  have  walked  with  God. 

Over  the  Bridge  of  Hope  whose  arch 

Has  borne  the  Centuries 
We  follow  in  triumphal  march 

For  future  ministries. 

Until  the  meeting  on  the  strand 

Where  Hope  and  Memory 
Entwine  their  blossoms  in  the  land 
Of  Immortality. 

E.  A.  S. 

TRIBUTES  OF  GUESTS 

Selections  from  a  sermon  by  Rev.  Dr.  T.  F.  White,  representing 
the  Presbytery  of  Morris  and  Orange,  who  was  commissioned  to 
present  their  thanks  for  the  past,  their  congratulations  for  the 
present,  and  their  best  wishes  for  the  future. 

What  does  a  Pastorate  in  a  church  for  thirty-eight  years  mean? 
Though  he  has  preached  to  the  same  intelligent  congregation  until 
they  have  come  to  know  every  habit  of  his  speech,  every  inflection 


ANNIVERSARY  YEAR  99 

of  his  voice,  and  every  feature  of  his  manner,  and  his  way  of  putting 
things,  yet  he  is  not  preached  out  because  he  has  been  drawing  the 
water  of  life  from  the  wells  of  salvation  in  the  word  of  God. 

It  is  said  that  there  is  hardly  a  man  of  whose  methods  and 
peculiarities  men  will  not  tire  in  half  a  score  of  years,  and  yet  here 
is  one  Brother,  for  more  than  a  third  of  a  century  in  one  parish, 
holding  a  firmer  grip  on  their  hearts  and  a  deeper  place  in  their 
confidence  than  ever  before. 

What  emergencies  he  has  had  to  meet,  what  problems  to  solve, 
what  need  of  almost  superhuman  wisdom,  we  only  who  are  pastors 
know, — what  prudence,  what  tact,  what  skill,  what  tender  sym- 
pathy in  affliction,  what  gladness  in  prosperity,  what  shepherding 
in  the  bright  and  dark  days,  what  development  of  love  to  meet  all 
the  ordinary  duties  and  the  emergencies  of  the  years,  always  inspir- 
ing toward  the  better  things  beyond. 

Dr.  Halloway  spoke  for  the  Ministerial  Association,  alluding 
to  the  fact  that  not  only  because  Dr.  Stoddard  had  lived  so  long,  but 
also  because  he  had  lived  so  well,  so  many  to-day  rise  up  and  call 
him  blessed. 

Professor  Sauvage,  of  Newark,  sang,  "Saved  by  Grace." 

Charles  A.  Stoddard  of  the  New  York  Observer,  a  kinsman  of  the 
Doctor's,  was  then  introduced.  He  said  that  a  good  name  was  to 
be  chosen  rather  than  great  riches  and  that  their  name  was  un- 
tarnished. He  spoke  of  the  staying  quality  of  the  family,  saying 
that  Solomon  Stoddard  had  preached  to  one  congregation  sixty 
years. 

Rev.  J.  B.  Beaumont,  who  graduated  from  the  same  college 
with  Dr.  Stoddard,  gave  many  reminiscences  in  the  Doctor's  life, 
and  mentioned  the  fact  that  he  was  always  among  the  children 
and  youth  of  his  congregation. 

Rev.  D.  M.  Ryder  made  a  few  pleasant  remarks,  after  which 
Mr.  Theodore  F.  King,  on  behalf  of  the  church,  presented  the  Doctor 
with  a  fine  gold  ring,  which  so  completely  surprised  him  that  for  a 


ioo  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

time  he  was  speechless.  He  soon  recovered,  however,  and  made  a 
few  remarks  in  his  usual  happy  style. 

Rev.  T.  F.  Chambers  then  read  the  letters  from  clergymen  ex- 
pressing regrets  at  not  being  able  to  attend,  and  extending  good 
wishes. 

The  choir  then  sang  two  verses  of  a  hymn,  when  the  audience 
arose  and  all  joined  in  singing,  "Blest  be  the  tie  that  binds";  then 
the  audience  was  dismissed  with  the  benediction  after  an  invitation 
to  lunch  in  the  chapel. 

After  a  fine  luncheon,  a  reception  was  held  in  the  church  and 
many  affectionate  words  were  spoken  to  the  well-beloved  Dr. 
Stoddard  by  the  loving  friends  who  pressed  about  him  and  received 
his  blessing. 

The  birthday  cake  was  decorated  with  eighty-two  beautiful 
pink  roses,  each  representing  a  milestone  on  the  journey  of  eighty- 
two  years.  One  not  quite  so  large  represented  his  fifty  years  in 
the  ministry  by  fifty  yellow  roses.  The  third  was  beautified  with 
thirty-eight  white  roses,  one  for  each  year  of  his  pastorate  at  Succa- 
sunna.  Another  was  ornamented  with  a  list  of  the  pastors  and 
supplies  of  the  church  during  its  143  years  of  existence  since  1739. 


EIGHTY-THIRD  BIRTHDAY 
1903 

The  eighty-third  birthday  reception  was  at  the  parsonage.  It 
brought  a  postal  and  a  letter  shower.  From  several  hundred 
messages  we  can  give  only  a  few.  All  were  appreciated  and  cher- 
ished. We  are  so  glad  he  read  them  and  enjoyed  their  individual 
messages. 

The  Honorable  Darwin  R.  James  of  Brooklyn  voiced  the  grati- 
tude of  many  of  the  boys  in  Dr.  Stoddard's  classes  when  he  prepared 
for  his  own  work  by  teaching. 

Dr.  Isaiah  Hopwood  of  Newark  delighted  to  call  Dr.  Stoddard 
one  of  his  Theological  Boys  because  Dr.  Hopwood  was  pastor  of 
the  home  church  during  Dr.  Stoddard's  young  manhood. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  J.  M.  Buckley,  editor  of  the  Christian  Advocate 
said,  "On  such  occasions  it  is  customary  to  offer  original  good  wishes, 
but,  in  this  case,  invention  is  taken  beyond  its  limit  to  respond." 

The  Rev.  Dr.  W.  W.  Boyd,  of  St.  Louis,  alluded  most  touch- 
ingly  to  the  fellowship  of  seven  years  shared  in  the  Newark  pas- 
torate, where  Dr.  Stoddard  was  always  a  welcome  visitor. 

Dr.  Boyd  writes:  "We  join  with  your  many  friends  in  heartiest 
congratulations  on  the  anniversary  of  your  birth,  which  gave  to 
humanity  a  noble  soul  in  a  noble  body ;  a  Christian  gentleman,  a 
loyal  friend,  a  devoted  pastor,  a  model  husband;  the  friend  and  lover 
of  all  that  is  good  and  true  and  beautiful." 

A  selection  from  a  letter  of  Dr.  Epher  Whittaker  of  Southold, 
Long  Island : 

"I  have  vivid  and  grateful  recollections  of  our  intimate  friend- 

101 


102  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

ship  and  associations  when  we  were  fellow  students  for  the  ministry 
in  the  Union  Theological  Seminary,  New  York,  more  than  fifty 
years  ago." 

A  word  from  Dr.  Robert  E.  Speer: 

"I  received  an  invitation  to  the  most  interesting  anniversary 
service.  I  am  very  sorry  that  it  was  not  possible  to  have  the 
pleasure  of  being  present  with  others,  to  rejoice  in  the  completion 
of  so  many  years  of  useful  life  and  fruitful  service.  I  trust  that 
many  more  years  may  be  added  before  your  work  is  done." 

The  Rev.  Dr.  James  Carter  of  Lincoln  University,  Pa.,  alluded  to 
his  grateful  remembrance  as  a  young  pastor  in  a  neighboring  parish. 

Dr.  T.  H.  Landon,  of  Bordentown  Military  Institute,  repro- 
duced some  of  the  scenes  of  thirty  years  ago,  when  in  temperance 
and  neighborhood  work  they  labored  as  one  heart  and  hand. 

Dr.  A.  C.  Dixon  now  of  Spurgeon's  Tabernacle,  London,  sent 
congratulations  and  remembrances  of  his  Brooklyn  pastorate, 
where  Dr.  Stoddard  was  frequently  called  to  the  pulpit. 

From  Dr.  John  Willis  Baer  comes  this  message:  "We  have 
learned  that  you  will  celebrate  to-morrow  your  eighty-third  birth- 
day. Permit  me  to  send  you  greetings  from  the  Board  of  Home 
Missions  and  personal  greetings,  and  to  wish  you  many  happy 
returns  of  the  day." 

A  cheery  word  from  Dr.  Eldridge  Mix:  "Eighty-three!  Still 
hale  and  hearty;  step  light  and  free;  face  illumined  with  the  light 
beyond ;  happier  than  ever  in  your  work ;  fireside  not  overshadowed 
by  sorrow;  loyal  and  loving  people  about  you;  youthful  in  spirit, 
though  aged  by  the  count  of  years;  held  in  honor  by  all  your  brethren 
in  the  ministry;  a  tower  of  strength  in  the  Presbytery;  the  dear 
good  man  whom  everyone  that  knows  you  loves, — this  is  the  way 
I  think  of  you. 

"Congratulate  you!  Why  a  thousand  congratulations  well  up 
from  my  heart  and  seek  for  expression  in  this  note  of  remembrance. 
So  many  of  the  good  men  of  other  days,  have  gone  on  before,  that 


ANNIVERSARY  YEAR  103 

you  while  still  tarrying  with  us  must  consent  to  be  the  recipient  of 
all  the  more  affection  from  your  brethren.  My  heartiest  Easter 
greetings  to  you  and  Mrs.  Stoddard." 

The  humor  of  this  selection  from  the  old-time  friend,  Dr.  J.  B. 
Beaumont,  was  heartily  enjoyed:  . 

"If  memory  serves  me  correctly,  you  are  likely  to  have  an 
eighty- third  birthday  on  or  about  the  23rd  inst.  Comparatively 
few  good  men  are  so  favored.  How  would  it  do  for  you  on  that 
memorable  day  to  write  out  a  new  series  of  resolutions,  entitled, 
'What  I  ought  and  mean  to  be,'  and  'What  I  ought  and  mean  to 
do,'  followed  by  the  ten  commandments  of  Scripture  and  the 
Constitution  of  the  United  States. 

"  You  have  always  been  good  to  me,  and  a  model  of  patience, 
endurance,  perseverance,  and  faithfulness  to  brethren  in  the 
ministry." 

The  Rev.  James  M.  Thomas  writes:  "One  of  the  hardest  com- 
mands of  Scripture  is,  'Be  not  weary  in  well-doing.'  So  many 
start  well,  but  soon  get  tired.  All  honor  to  the  grit  and  courage 
that  keeps  steadily  at  the  hard  day's  work  and  is  not  weary  even  at 
eighty-three ! 

"As  one  of  the  younger  members  of  Presbytery,  let  me  thank  you 
for  the  example  of  faithfulness,  enthusiasm,  and  energy  you  have 
given  us." 
From  Chas.  Rolfe: 

"I  am  writing  from  Plymouth,  the  home  of  our  religious  freedom, 
to  you  who  have  done  so  much  in  living  Christianity,  loving  Chris- 
tianity, and  in  teaching  and  living  and  loving  Christ.  May  every 
blessing  be  yours  to-day  and  always." 

To  our  dear  friend,  Dr.  Stoddard,  on  his  birthday. 

0  friend,  whose  sheaf  is  swelling 
With  fourscore  years  and  three, 


104  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

How  shall  thy  friends  be  telling 
The  joy  they  share  with  thee? 

Across  the  mountain  ridges 

On  this  thy  festal  day 
The  thought  of  friendship  bridges 

To  greet  thee  on  thy  way. 

May  Heaven's  light  fall  o'er  thee, 

As  in  the  long  ago, 
And  may  the  years  before  thee 

With  blessings  overflow. 

EMMA  SMULLER  CARTER. 

From  Rev.  T.  F.  Chambers: 

"Allow  me  to  send  to  you  my  warmest  congratulations  upon  your 
vigorous  health,  and  unimpaired  usefulness  at  the  ripe  old  age  of 
fourscore  and  three. 

"  Like  Tennyson's  brook,  you  seem  bound  to  go  on  forever.  And 
like  a  brook,  the  longer  you  run,  and  the  farther  you  flow,  the 
more  freshness  and  life  you  seem  to  have  in  yourself,  and  be  able  to 
give  to  others." 

From  Rev.  J.  L.  Watson: 

"The  records  say  it  is  eighty- three ;  but  I  think  you  are  en- 
titled to  much  more  than  the  usual  clerical  discount.  Clear-eyed; 
a  voice  like  Boanerges;  a  ruddy  countenance;  erect  carriage;  and  a 
vigorous  intellect,  surely  this  is  not  the  description  of  an  octogena- 
rian. I  fraternally  congratulate  you  therefore, — not  according 
to  the  dictum  of  the  birth  register,  but  as  to  the  above  stated  youth- 
ful facts." 

From  Rev.  Charles  B.  Bullard: 

"Accept  hearty  congratulations  on  your  eighty- third  birthday 
from  one  whom  you  helped  to  ordain  to  the  ministry  more  than 
twenty  years  ago.  May  it  always  be  springtime  with  the  Sun  of 
righteousness  shining  upon  you!" 


ANNIVERSARY  YEAR  105 

From  Rev.  Robt.  G.  McGregor: 

11  Eighty- three  years!  No,  I  don't  congratulate  you  on  this 
fact.  I  do  congratulate  you  on  your  deeds.  Emerson  says  that  a 
man  counts  his  years  when  he  has  nothing  else  to  do;  you  are  not 
there  yet,  and  God  grant  you  never  will  be. 

"Instead  of  congratulating  you,  dear  Doctor  Stoddard,  I  con- 
gratulate the  people  with  whom  you  have  spent  your  years." 

From  Rev.  David  O.  Irving: 

"It  gives  me  great  pleasure  as  a  young  man,  to  express  my  con- 
gratulations to  you,  an  old  man,  so  well  preserved,  so  happy  and 
so  healthy,  on  your  eighty-third  birthday.  You  are  certainly  a 
wonderful  example  to  the  rising  generation.  I  can  only  hope  that 
if  I  am  privileged  to  live  to  the  allotted  time  for  man,  that  I  may 
bear  my  honors  as  gracefully  as  you  do  yours. 

"  May  God  bless  you  and  keep  you  and  make  you  a  still  greater 
blessing  to  His  church." 

From  Rev.  Dr.  Halloway: 

"With  all  my  heart  I  congratulate  you  on  your  eighty-third 
birthday.  ...r< 

"With  all  my  heart  I  pray  that  your  long  life  of  eminent  useful- 
ness in  the  Lord's  work  my  be  prolonged  yet  a  long  while. 

"With  all  my  heart  I  join  with  your  host  of  friends  in  the  en- 
deavor to  make  this  day  in  your  life's  journey  one  of  sweetness  and 
light." 

From  W.  E.  Honeynian: 

"  Such  a  young,  active,  and  vigorous  man  as  you  are,  it  seems  is 
determined  to  be  eighty-three  years  old  on  the  morrow.  I  can 
hardly  believe  it  and  had  to  read  the  announcement  over  three 
times  before  I  gave  it  credit. 

"Well,  since  it  must  be  so,  I  want  most  heartily  to  congratulate 
you,  or  rather  I  should  congratulate  your  wife  and  your  congrega- 
tion that  you  have  been  spared  so  long  to  cheer  and  comfort  them, 
and  brighten  their  lives,  and  bring  untold  blessings  to  them. 


io6  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

"May  you  be  spared  for  many  more  years  of  usefulness." 

From  Rev.  Dr.  J.  A.  Ferguson: 

"In  addition  to  the  fraternal  association  of  thirty- three  years, 
I  recall  some  facts  which  drew  me  towards  you  at  the  beginning  of 
this  period.  I  was  a  seminary  mate  of  your  brother  Samuel.  It 
was  at  Succasunna  that  I  became  a  fellow  Presbyter  with  you. 
Your  home  was  the  first  one  in  the  Presbytery  in  which  I  was  enter- 
tained. At  my  examination  for  ordination  you  questioned  me  in 
church  government.  Your  hands  were  placed  upon  my  head  at 
my  ordination.  At  my  installation  as  pastor  at  Hanover  you 
delivered  the  charge  to  me. 

"May  you  have  more  years  of  happy  ministry,  and,  at  the  end 
receive  the  crown  of  life,  the  crown  of  righteousness,  and  the  crown 
of  glory." 

"Dear  Uncle  Stoddard, 

We  venerate  thy  golden  years ; 
We  honor  thy  noble  character; 

We  admire  thy  sweet  life ; 
And  love  thee  for  what  thou  art." 

Our  Pastor  dear,  to-day  we  come 

With  a  message  of  love  to  thee ; 
Rejoiced  to  know  that  one  by  one 

You  number  the  years  of  eighty-three. 

Congratulations  we  send  to  you, 

On  this  fair  day  in  the  early  spring, 
Among  them  all,  there  can  be  but  few, 

More  sincere  than  this,  from  E.  L.  King. 

From  Rev.  Edward  P.  Gardner. 

I  am  glad  that,  though  some  snow  has  fallen  on  the  roof  of  your 
cottage,  the  fire  still  burns  bright  on  the  hearth-stone  inside.  May  it 
be  so  for  years  to  come. 


ANNIVERSARY  YEAR  107 

1903 

The  Crystal  Anniversary  of  the  Christian  Endeavor  Society 
was  celebrated  in  the  chapel  with  representatives  of  the  County 
Societies.  The  favors  were  glass  tumblers,  chased  with  C.  E.  and 
the  dates.  Dr.  Stoddard  was  very  happy  in  their  presentation 
after  refreshments. 

ANNIVERSARY  HYMN,  JULY  17,  1903 

A  crystal  anniversary 

We  celebrate  to-day ; 
Its  fifteen  years  of  ministry 

Have  cheered  the  pilgrim  way. 

As  pure  as  flows  the  crystal  stream, 

Fed  by  the  crystal  spring, 
As  bright  as  is  the  crystal  gleam 

Of  dewdrops  blossoming. 

As  beautiful  as  crystal  snow, 

With  all  its  crystal  stars, 
And  as  the  many  tinted  bow 

Of  summer's  crystal  showers. 

And  richer  than  the  crystal  gem — 

The  Crystal  years  that  bring 
Their  choicest,  for  His  diadem, 

Love's  tribute  to  her  King. 

And  if  the  Silver  and  the  Gold 

The  coming  years  record, 
Christian  Endeavor  will  unfold 

Her  treasures  for  her  Lord. 

E.  A.  S. 


A  CLIPPING  FROM  A  MORRISTOWN  PAPER  OF  JUNE  14, 

1903 

The  First  Presbyterian  Church  held  its  services  at  3  30  and  the 
children  and  their  friends  attended  in  large  numbers,  but  if  they 
had  known  what  was  in  store  for  them  they  would  have  been  pre- 
sent in  larger  numbers.  The  Rev.  E.  W.  Stoddard,  D.D.,  of 
Succasunna,  delivered  the  address  to  the  children,  and  at  the  close 
he  gave  a  description  of  his  late  visit  to  Palestine,  which  he  had 
longed  to  take  for  over  eighty  years.  He  presented  each  member 
of  the  Sunday  school  with  a  flower  from  the  Holy  Land.  The 
flowers  were  attached  to  cards,  and  he  expressed  the  hope  that  those 
that  received  the  flowers  would  always  keep  them  in  remembrance 
of  the  land  where  Christ  lived  and  died.  The  music  was  furnished 
by  the  Sunday-school  orchestra. 

Dr.  Stoddard  preached  in  the  South  Street  Presbyterian  Church 
the  same  Sabbath  evening. 

CHILDREN'S  DAY  SERMON 

Taking  as  his  text  John  x,  1 6,  Dr.  Stoddard  preached  the  follow- 
ing sermon,  Children's  Day: — The  fable  of  the  Persian  tent  has  a 
new  meaning  as  we  think  of  all  the  children  of  the  world  as  gathered 
under  one  loving  care.  You  remember  the  tent  originally  covered 
only  the  King  and  his  Court,  but  it  could  expand  to  house  the  army 
and  the  nation. 

God's  love  shown  in  Christian  homes  and  in  Christian  schools 

1 08 


CHILDREN'S  DAY  SERMON  109 

and  in  Christian  nations  is  large  enough  to  cover  the  whole  world 
and  while  we  guard  most  tenderly  the  lambs  of  the  flock  let  us 
remember  there  are  those  "on  the  mountains  cold  and  bare, 
away  from  the  tender  Shepherd's  care,"  and  we  must  join  in  His 
loving  quest  if  we  would  "rejoice  when  the  Lord  brings  back  His 
own."  Our  children  are  God's  children,  His  gifts  to  the  home. 
The  poet  expresses  it  thus,  "The  soul  that  rises  with  us,  our  life's 
star  has  had  elsewhere  a  setting  and  cometh  from  afar." 

In  trailing  clouds  of  glory  do  we  come,  from  God,  who  is  our 
Home." 

Since  God  has  said  to  every  parent,  "Take  this  child  and  train 
it  for  me,"  how  important  it  is  that  we  gather  them  around  the 
family  altar  and  teach  them  out  of  the  Word  of  God.  It  is  an  easy 
step  from  the  family  altar  to  the  home  of  God,  where  we  can  say, 
"Here  am  I  and  the  children  Thou  hast  given  me."  Many  of  us 
remember  when  we  came  as  children  to  the  house  of  God  with  our 
fathers  and  mothers  who  taught  us  by  example  as  well  as  by  pre- 
cept, the  true  value  and  use  of  life. 

President  Schurman  of  Cornell  University  said  in  substance  in  a 
recent  address  before  the  students,  "A  man  who  knows  his  Bible 
cannot  be  an  ignorant  man.  His  mind  is  trained  and  expanded 
to  use  knowledge  in  any  form,  and  his  soul  is  guided  in  right  choices. 
He  who  knows  his  Bible  well  is,  in  a  very  important  sense,  educated, 
and  the  man  ignorant  of  the  Bible,  whatever  his  attainments  in 
other  studies,  is  in  a  measure  uneducated." 

"The  word  of  the  Lord  is  the  beginning  of  wisdom."  Fellowship 
with  high  themes,  the  entertainment  of  lofty  thoughts  will  exalt 
and  develop. 

Let  us  take  hints  from  our  educators.  During  the  Revolutionary 
War,  Benjamin  Franklin  was  our  representative  at  the  court  of 
France.  Himself  a  self-made  man — a  man  of  the  people — a  man 
educated  in  a  God-honoring  Bible-loving  home.  He  had  the 
sterling  qualities  that  command  respect  in  the  most  educated  circles. 


I  io  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

The  diplomats  at  Paris  were  accustomed  to  meet  for  mental  enter- 
tainment and  culture,  each  bringing  some  gem  of  literature  gathered 
in  reading  or  study. 

At  one  time  during  a  quiet  moment,  Dr.  Franklin  commenced 
to  read  from  an  old  book. 

The  circle  listened  with  increasing  attention,  and  at  its  close 
demanded  the  author.  "This  is  from  the  Bible,"  said  Franklin — 
"the  discarded  book,  and  it  is  full  of  such  beautiful  lessons,  such 
literary  gems,  such  majestic  utterances." 

We  teach  our  children  by  object-lessons — of  nature — of  science 
— of  history — some  of  the  laws  of  God  and  how  to  think  God's 
thoughts  after  Him,  but  the  Word  is  to  make  them  wise  unto  salva- 
tion. A  knowledge  of  the  Bible  interprets  and  explains  and  applies 
and  makes  useful  the  knowledge  we  gain  from  all  other  books.  "The 
fear  of  the  Son  is  the  beginning  of  wisdom."  This  wisdom  is  for 
the  every-day  need.  It  is  profitable  for  the  word  that  now  is  and 
for  that  which  is  to  come. 

It  teaches  us,  just  to  be  tender,  just  to  be  true, 

Just  to  be  glad  the  whole  day  through, 
Just  to  be  trustful  as  a  child, 

Just  to  be  gentle  and  kind  and  sweet, 
Just  to  be  cheery  when  things  go  wrong, 

Just  to  drive  sadness  away  with  song, 
Whether  the  hour  is  dark  or  bright, 

Just  to  be  loyal  to  God  and  right, 
Just  to  believe  that  God  knows  best, 

Just  in  His  promises  ever  to  rest, 
Just  to  let  love  be  our  daily  key, 

That  is  God's  will  for  you,  and  for  me. 

Thus  living  we  will  help  others  to  live.  Professor  Drummond 
says,  "No  man  can  meet  another  on  the  street  without  making 
some  mark  upon  him;  we  say  we  exchange  words  when  we  meet; 


CHILDREN'S  DAY  SERMON  in 

what  we  exchange  is  souls."  That  is  another  way  of  saying  we 
lead  others  unconsciously  into  the  paths  we  choose. 

You  all  know  how  easily  the  flock  follows  the  lead  of  one  sheep. 
How  important  that  the  leader  is  directed  by  the  Shepherd. 

Christ  desires  one  fold  for  all  the  scattered  flocks.  The  world 
is  becoming  one  in  interests.  Communication  is  so  close  that 
sympathy  is  binding  together  with  new  links  year  by  year.  This 
world  is  to  be  one  under  the  rule  of  Him  whose  right  it  is  to  reign. 
What  are  we  doing  to  help  forward  that  day  when  the  knowledge 
of  the  Lord  shall  cover  the  world  as  the  waters  cover  the  sea,  when 
there  shall  be  indeed  "One  fold  and  one  Shepherd,"  as  the  prayer 
shall  be  answered,  "Thy  kingdom  come.  Thy  will  be  done,  on 
earth  as  it  is  done  in  Heaven. " 


1904 

On  September  fifth,  Dr.  Stoddard  was  accorded  the  honor  of 
laying  the  corner-stone  of  the  Roxbury  High  School.  The  silver 
trowel  used  on  the  occasion  was  an  heirloom  in  Mrs.  Stoddard's 
family,  and  is  preserved  in  the  High  School  building  with  the 
photograph  of  the  event. 

DEDICATION   OF  THE  ROXBURY  HIGH  SCHOOL, 
SEPTEMBER  5,  1904 

The  story  of  the  past  inspires, 

As  from  the  schoolhouse  of  our  sires, 
The  embers  of  the  long  ago, 

Upon  the  silent  hearthstone  glow, 
Enkindling  ours — as  we  receive 
All  that  a  hundred  years  bequeathe. 

From  Academic  halls  we  trace, 

In  useful  lives,  in  honored  place, 
The  sons  and  daughters  who  were  taught 

The  principles,  that  well  enwrought 
Make  noble  men  and  women,  too, 
And  keep  the  generations  true. 

The  School  House  built  upon  the  hill 

Had  its  great  mission  to  fulfil, 
While  those  upon  the  Plains,  unite 

In  sending  forth  a  Beacon  Light, 
And  this  reflected,  prints  the  name 
Of  many  on  the  scroll  of  fame. 

112 


(fi  LJ 


DEDICATION  OF  THE  ROXBURY  HIGH  SCHOOL      113 

The  High  School  that  we  dedicate, 

More  perfectly  would  educate 
In  all  that  stands  for  right,  and  truth, 

That  Wisdom,  treasured  by  our  Youth, 
May  give  a  blessed  ministry 
To  every  coming  century. 

E.  A.  S. 

1904 

An  interesting  event  of  1904  was  the  Centennial  of  the  Church 
in  Dr.  Stoddard's  native  town  of  Coventryville,  New  York,  where 
his  welcome  was  as  enthusiastic  as  it  was  sincere.  Every  service 
gathered  the  people  from  far  and  near.  On  the  Sabbath  he  attended 
four  meetings,  preaching  morning  and  evening.  His  voice  was 
clear  and  strong  and  impressive  as  he  urged  them  to, 

"Make  each  year  more  useful  than  the  last, 
Upholding  ever  by  a  worthy  past." 

concluding  with, 

"The  sowers  and  the  reapers  are  as  one, 
Those  meeting  here  and  those  engathered  home. 
The  sons  and  daughters  of  the  other  shore 
Are  watching  from  the  Father's  open  door, 
As  we  bind  sheaves  that  ripened  in  the  plain 
Because  they  scattered  wide  the  golden  grain 
Inspiring  us  to  leave  a  legacy 
For  all  the  years  of  the  next  century." 


1904 
THE  EIGHTY-FOURTH  BIRTHDAY 

On  April  23,  the  sun-parlor  of  the  parsonage  took  on  a  very 
festive  appearance.  A  card  attached  to  a  large  basket  of  flowers 
explained  the  many  floral  surprises  of  the  day.  It  read,  "A  loving 
remembrance  from  his  people  to  Dr.  Stoddard,  on  his  eighty-fourth 
birthday." 

On  the  Sabbath,  April  24,  Dr.  Stoddard  completed  his  forty 
years  of  ministry  to  this  parish.  The  ladies  had  trimmed  the 
church  very  elaborately.  Under  the  Gospel  flag  in  the  pulpit 
recess,  framed  in  green  and  lettered  in  gold,  were  these  words, 
"Forty  Years  of  Faithful  Service,"  1864-1904,  being  lettered  in 
green  on  either  side,  while  the  entire  recess  was  banked  with  flowers. 
On  the  table  in  front  were  eighty-four  birthday  pinks. 

The  senior  elder,  Mr.  T.  F.  King,  brought  the  pastor  into  his 
pulpit  from  which  he  had  been  absent  nearly  two  months.  Dr. 
Gessler,  of  Hopatcong,  and  Dr.  Warden,  of  Ledgewood,  assisted 
in  the  service. 

Dr.  Stoddard  made  the  announcements,  and  in  a  few  happy 
words  alluded  to  the  delicate  and  touching  evidences  of  his  people's 
care  during  his  illness  and  at  his  home-gathering  after  the  long 
separation.  He  said  that  what  he  saw  about  him  was  very  impres- 
sive to  him  and  very  expressive  of  the  labor  of  many  hands  and 
hearts.  Alluding  to  the  joy  of  his  return,  he  said  at  no  moment 
had  he  been  absent  in  spirit  and  in  interest. 

Dr.  Gessler,  who  had  so  faithfully  filled  his  pulpit  in  his  absence, 
was  asked  to  give  a  ten-minute  talk  on  "A  Forty- Year  Pastorate." 
The  Doctor  was  most  happy  in  his  introduction,  and  in  his  entire 

114 


THE  EIGHTY-FOURTH  BIRTHDAY  115 

address,  giving  a  brief  but  graphic  outline  of  what  forty  years  had 
wrought  in  the  history  of  the  world. 

He  said  among  other  things  that  those  forty  years  almost  com- 
passed the  reign  of  steam.  It  was  coming  in.  It  is  going  out,  as 
a  ruling  agency,  electricity  taking  its  place. 

Forty  years  ago,  if  one  had  spoken  of  communicating  with  a 
friend  in  New  York  or  Chicago,  in  his  own  tone  of  voice,  it  would 
have  seemed  incredulous. 

Turning  to  Dr.  Stoddard,  Dr.  Gessler  said,  "When  we  were  boys 
we  studied  about  the  great  American  Desert.  Now  you  search 
in  vain  for  this  Desert  on  the  map.  Modern  students  know  nothing 
about  it."  Then  in  an  aside  to  Dr.  Stoddard,  "We  knew  many 
things  that  they  do  not  know." 

Dr.  Gessler  alluded  in  a  felicitous  manner  to  his  own  pastorate 
in  Elizabeth. 

Dr.  Warden  followed  in  brief  but  most  appropriate  remarks. 
He  said  among  other  good  things,  that  forty  had  as  many  letters 
as  Jesus;  that  it  was  forty  years  of  service  for  Jesus.  He  alluded 
most  touchingly  to  Linnet's  Memorial  which  he  had  found  on  a 
table  in  Ledgewood. 

At  the  close,  Dr.  Stoddard  introduced  the  hand-to-hand  greeting. 
Then  those  whose  acquaintance  dated  back  to  forty  years,  came 
away  with  one  of  the  forty  pinks,  and  the  forty-four  pinks  were 
given  as  mementoes  of  a  very  interesting  and  remarkable  gathering. 


1905 

NEWSPAPER  NOTICE   OF  THE  EIGHTY-FIFTH   BIRTH- 
DAY.    SABBATH,  APRIL  23 

At  the  last  Easter  service  the  pastor  celebrated  his  eighty-fifth 
birthday  by  preaching  at  both  services  upon  the  Resurrection 
of  Christ.  The  venerable  man  is  like  Moses — tall  and  straight 
as  a  pine  tree,  with  eye  undimmed  and  no  use  for  glasses;  a  strong 
and  resonant  voice,  and  a  bright  and  vigorous  mind.  He  has  been 
in  the  ministry  for  fifty-three  years,  and  has  completed  forty-one 
years  of  fruitful  labor  at  Succasunna.  At  the  birthday  service 
the  church  was  one  mass  of  flowers,  and  on  a  table  in  vases  were 
eighty-five  daffodils,  to  represent  the  age  of  the  pastor.  After  the 
morning  sermon  a  member  of  the  church  read  the  following  touching 
lines,  written  for  the  occasion. 

The  melodies  of  Easter  time 
Ring  out  the  sweet,  the  joyous  chime, 
"The  Lord  is  risen, "  "the  Lord  is  risen, " 
"He  lives,"  He  lives  enthroned  in  Heaven, 
And  Angels  wave  triumphant  palms 
As  we  are  chanting  grateful  Psalms. 

Amid  the  music  of  the  spheres 
A  Birthday  note  this  date  endears 
A  life,  that  to  the  world  has  given 
So  much  that  it  received  from  Heaven, 
Its  four-score  years  and  five  may  bring 
As  this  year's  Easter  offering. 

116 


EIGHTY-FIFTH  BIRTHDAY  117 

The  life  of  our  ascended  Lord, 

According  to  His  faithful  word, 

Is  still  the  light  and  life  of  men 

As  Christ  shall  live  and  work  through  them 

And  since  His  mission  is  their  own 

His  glory  year  by  year  will  crown. 

And  thus  the  bells  of  Easter  time 
May  ring  to-day  a  Birthday  chime, 
As  eighty  years  and  five  would  tell 
The  story  that  we  love  so  well 
And  Heaven  and  Earth  as  one,  adore 
The  Risen  Christ  forevermore. 

E.  A.  S. 
1907 

The  eighty-seventh  birthday  had  the  usual  afternoon  and  even- 
ing reception  with  cakes  and  candles  and  sweets. 

Again  the  ladies  had  planned  a  surprise.  Mrs.  Dr.  Wiggins 
came  early  and  carried  a  little  package  to  Dr.  Stoddard  in  the  sun- 
parlor.  The  dainty  box  held  a  beautiful  crystal  embossed  with 
gold  on  which  lay  the  gold  coins  representing  eighty-seven  years. 

The  Pastor  who  had  given  these  years  to  the  Lord  mentally 
consecrated  their  golden  representatives, — and  two  of  them  very 
recently  were  laid  in  the  plate  to  aid  in  the  church's  contribution  to 
Educational  and  Ministerial  Relief.  These  two  boards,  introducing 
into  the  ministry  and  making  comfortable  its  close,  were  very  near 
to  the  Pastor's  heart. 


LAYING  OF  CORNER  STONE 

AND 

DEDICATION 

OF  THE 

UNION  CHAPEL,  IRONIA,  N.  J. 

JUNE  2,  1907 

SERMON  BY  THE  REV.  E.  W.  STODDARD,  D.D. 
DEDICATION  HYMN 

The  sons  and  the  daughters  of  Zion  have  come 
Once  more  to  bid  welcome  to  their  Sabbath  Home. 
In  this  Dedication  each  heart  has  one  prayer 
For  still  better  service  this  day  must  prepare. 

It  is  thirty-four  years  since  was  kindled  the  light 
That  shone  like  a  Beacon  afar  in  the  night, 
Over  hills  over  valleys  by  willing  feet  trod, 
It  led  to  the  worship  and  service  of  God. 

A  part  of  the  pilgrims  have  passed  on  before, 

We  follow  to  meet  at  the  wide  open  door, 

Where  the  earnest  endeavor  a  blessing  is  given 

As  the  households  of  earth  form  the  household  of  Heaven. 

The  sons  and  the  daughters  of  Zion  thus  come 
To  bid  you  all  welcome  to  this  Sabbath  Home, 
To  share  in  its  service,  to  claim  as  your  own, 
The  joy  of  this  present,  the  future's  bright  crown. 

E.  A.  S. 

118 


1908 


An  interesting  surprise  of  the  evening  reception  upon  Dr. 
Stoddard's  birthday,  was  the  presentation  of  a  beautiful  silk  um- 
brella by  Elder  T.  Y.  Crater,  on  the  behalf  of  the  guests. 

This  umbrella  was  the  traveling  companion  of  Dr.  Stoddard 
for  many  years,  in  his  journeyings  to  and  fro.  The  last  time  he  used 
the  umbrella  it  created  quite  a  sensation.  Dr.  Stoddard  and  the 
young  Rev.  W.  G.  Greenslade  were  walking  arm  in  arm  in  New 
York  from  the  trolley  to  the  ferry,  when  a  little  shower  called  for 
the  opening  of  the  historic  umbrella.  The  long  service  had  left  its 
marks  upon  the  umbrella,  but  the  happy  pair  walked  on  unconscious 
of  the  second  looks  of  passers-by. 


1908 


A  Selection  from  a  Letter  of  a  Classmate. 

Southold,  New  York, 

January  28, 1908. 
Dear  Dr.  Stoddard: 

I  have  not  forgotten  my  debt  to  you  for  guiding  me  through  the 
impressive  and  serious  ritual  of  a  marriage  fifty-six  years  ago  to-day. 
My  beloved  wife,  the  fair  bride  of  that  day,  is  here  with  me  in  my 
study,  while  I  write  these  lines  in  this  most  thankful  mood. 
Yours  truly  and  fraternally, 

EPHER  WHITAKER. 
119 


120  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

1909 

The  Rev.  J.  M.  Buckley  and  Mrs.  Buckley  of  Morristown,  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  W.  A.  Seward  of  Madison,  N.  J.,  and  Mr.  John  H.  Wash- 
burn  of  New  York,  Vice-President  of  the  Home  Insurance  Company 
of  New  York  City,  celebrated  Dr.  Stoddard's  eighty-ninth  birthday 
with  him  at  an  informal  luncheon,  after  which  a  reception  to  the 
parish  and  friends  gathered  a  most  interesting  and  interested  circle, 
who  enjoyed  the  great  variety  of  choice  flowers,  among  them  eighty- 
nine  roses,  eighty-nine  pinks,  and  five  tall  vases  of  American 
Beauties. 

WELCOME 

I82O  TO  I9O9 

EIGHTY-NINE  YEARS 

\ 

The  milestone  of  the  Eightieth  year 

Was  circled  with  a  loving  band. 
Kindred  and  friends  engathered  here, 

The  Parish  its  surprises  planned. 
The  brethren  in  the  ministry 

Brought  words  of  cheer  and  wishes  best. 
That  seemed  almost  a  prophecy 

As  Nine  eventful  years  attest. 

They  are  the  answer  to  the  prayer 
That  health  and  vigor  might  be  given 

As  sent  adown  the  golden  stair 

The  angels  should  bring  gifts  from  Heaven. 

The  Eighty-Second  milestone  bore 

The  touch  of  half  a  century. 
The  student  fifty  years  before 

Had  entered  on  his  ministry 


WELCOME  TO  EIGHTY-NINE  YEARS 

And  comrades  of  those  earlier  years 
And  those  who  shared  a  smaller  part 

Talked  of  the  things  that  man  reveres, 
And  of  the  things  that  hold  the  heart. 

The  Eighty-Third  by  messengers 

Sent  letter  showers  from  far  and  near. 

To  which  a  quiet  hour  refers 

With  much  of  comfort  year  by  year. 

The  Eighty-Fourth,  a  Sabbath  day, 
An  Easter  with  its  peaceful  hours 

Heart  blossoms  do  not  fade  away 
And  these  entwined  the  springtime  flowers. 

With  less  of  demonstration  came 

The  much  desired  Eighty-Fifth. 
Appreciation  was  the  same 

As  also  in  the  Eighty-Sixth. 
The  Eighty-Seventh  its  signet  bore 

Of  loving  thought  and  Eighty-Eight 
Has  but  increased  the  treasure  store 

That  years  cannot  enumerate. 

And  now  the  Eighty-Ninth  is  here 

Another  milestone  on  the  road 
On  which  an  altar  new  to  rear 

In  the  sweet  service  of  our  God. 

What  can  we  say  that  was  unsaid 

When  open  doors,  so  cheered  each  guest? 

What  can  we  write  that  was  unread 
When  Birthday  letters  told  the  rest? 

Unqualified  our  grateful  love, 
Unceasing  is  the  earnest  prayer. 


122  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

Unnumbered  mercies  from  above, 

The  precious  life  still  longer  spare, 
For  service  waits,  experience  gives 

A  usefulness,  a  cheer,  a  grace, 
The  mind  and  heart  that  much  receives. 

Has  more  to  lavish  on  the  race. 

With  gratitude  for  years  agone 
The  blossoms  of  the  heart  we  twine 

To  crown  upon  this  April  morn 
The  Patriarch  of  Eighty-Nine. 

E.  A.  S. 
1909 

Rev.  Dr.  Halloway  writes: 

"Congratulations  upon  another  mile-stone  passed  in  your  life 
journey.  What  is  Weston  to  you?  He  walks  across  the  continent, 
taking  a  few  months.  You  journey  between  two  worlds,  and  take 
nearly  a  century!  And  your  natural  force  is  not  abated. 

"We  will  all  join  in  singing,  'Praise  God  from  whom  all  blessings 
flow.' 

A  friend  sends  the  following  message : 

"Amid  all  the  shower  of  congratulations  from  your  many  friends 
do  not  overlook  mine.  I  am  so  glad  the  Lord  gave  you  to  us,  that 
I  think  we  are  the  ones  to  be  congratulated.  Therefore  I  send  you 
my  love  and  the  sincere  wish  that  there  will  be  many  more  birthdays, 
each  one  more  full  of  peace  and  friendliness. 

"You  know  you  have  often  told  me,  "  A  man  is  only  as  old  as  he 
feels."  Judging  by  that  standard  you  are  still  young.  And  if  we 
judge  by  your  voice  and  zeal  and  energy  in  the  Lord's  cause,  we  will 
never  believe  that  they  have  counted  the  years  right.  They  have 
made  a  mistake  of  at  least  twenty  years." 


1909 
SERMON  TO  ROXBURY  GRADUATES 

Dr.  Stoddard  preached  the  baccalaureate  sermon  at  the  Succa- 
sunna  church,  to  the  Roxbury  High  School  graduates,  Sunday 
evening.  He  took  as  his  text: 

Esther  iv,  14,  last  clause,  "Who  knoweth  whether  thou  art  come 
to  the  kingdom  for  such  a  time  as  this."  The  beautiful  story  of 
Esther  has  a  special  message  to  the  young  student  on  one  of  these 
supreme  days  when  there  opens  a  new  door  into  new  opportunities, 
new  possibilities  for  which  the  discipline  of  the  past  years  has 
prepared.  Frances  Willard  said  on  a  similar  occasion  as  she  ad- 
dressed a  graduating  class:  "This  is  your  age.  The  best  time 
in  all  the  world's  history  is  yours."  The  student  of  to-day  is  the 
heir  of  all  the  ages.  What  will  be  your  legacy  to  a  coming  time? 

On  the  wall  of  your  schoolroom  hangs  a  picture  of  this  uncrowned 
queen.  In  our  families,  in  our  schools  there  are  uncrowned  queens. 
We  know  not  what  the  future  may  demand  of  them.  Our  part 
is  to  train  them  for  their  destiny.  In  the  home  realm  they  will 
reign  and  they  may  leave  the  stamp  of  their  individuality  upon 
their  generation.  A  marble  statue  in  the  Capitol  at  Washington 
is  a  worthy  tribute  to  Frances  Willard. 

The  coming  years  will  enshrine  the  uncrowned  queens  and  kings 
of  our  day,  who  go  forth  with  high  ideals  and  unfaltering  purpose 
to  make  the  world  better  and  happier.  "The  Training  of  a  King" 
was  the  heading  of  an  article  in  the  daily  papers  ,about  a  week  ago. 
It  referred  to  the  grandson  of  King  Edward  VII.  of  England,  a 
lad  at  school  faithful  in  the  humblest  tasks,  learning  to  obey  that 
he  may  rule,  sharing  his  comrades'  fare  that  he  may  know  how  to 
solve  the  problems  of  every-day  life. 

123 


124  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

Frances  Willard  said,  "  Character  is  habit  crystallized."  Obedi- 
ence to  her  uncle  in  the  home  prepared  Esther  to  save  her  people 
in  the  hour  of  need.  Who  knoweth  whether  thou  art  come  to  the 
kingdom  for  such  a  time  as  this,  my  dear  young  friends.  Truly 
has  it  been  said:  "Every  life  is  a  plan  of  God  and  the  supreme 
desire  of  each  heart  should  be  to  carry  out  that  plan  for  the  glory 
of  God  and  the  welfare  of  many."  Your  young  friend,  Mr.  Zeigler, 
very  often  writes  in  his  letters:  "I  do  not  want  God  to  be  dis- 
appointed in  my  life." 

Could  I  give  a  higher  motto  to  this  graduating  class?  Does 
it  not  emphasize  the  words  written  to  Esther,  "who  knoweth  whether 
thou  art  come  to  the  kingdom  for  such  a  time  as  this."  Each 
generation  has  its  special  opportunity.  The  ancient  and  eternal 
truths  of  life  repeat  their  lessons  from  age  to  age.  There  may  be 
novelty  of  expression  but  it  is  the  same  earnest  appeal  to  faithfulness 
to  a  passing  hour. 

The  Mayor  of  New  York  in  a  recent  address  to  a  graduating 
class  spoke  of  physical  courage  as  a  natural  heritage  of  the  race. 
Moral  courage  is  rarer  and  more  precious.  Youth  looks  forward 
to  a  future,  containing  neither  failure  nor  disappointment;  but  in 
order  to  preserve  the  heart  of  a  manly  boy  and  the  fragrant  beauty 
of  girlhood ;  in  order  to  preserve  the  ideals  of  young  life  to  its  crown- 
ing day  there  must  be  one  steadfast  aim,  and  there  must  be  un- 
varied effort,  guided  by  the  wisdom  that  cometh  from  above. 
Effort  is  not  to  be  avoided,  time  is  not  a  plaything  to  be  trifled 
with.  The  golden  days  fly  with  unremitting  speed,  but  never 
come  again,  but  if  you  determine  to  make  every  day  spell  progress, 
you  will  become  masters  of  each  task.  It  is  with  very  especial 
interest  that  I  congratulate  the  graduating  class  on  the  success  of 
their  earlier  years,  and  commend  them  to  the  Great  Teacher,  who 
has  a  plan  for  each  life.  Make  this  plan  your  choice.  You  have 
come  to  the  Kingdom  for  such  a  time  as  this. 

A  high  and  noble  purpose  embodying  all  that  your  faithful 


SERMON  TO  ROXBURY  GRADUATES  125 

teachers  have  so  earnestly  and  lovingly  brought  to  you  from  the 
richness  of  their  experience  to  prepare  the  sons  and  daughters  of  a 
King  for  the  service  of  the  present  and  the  glory  of  the  future. 
"Who  knoweth  whether  thou  art  come  to  the  kingdom  for  such 
a  time  as  this." 

Three  thoughts  I  commend  to  you  in  seeking  plans  for  the 
future : 

First — "Commit  thy  way  unto  the  Lord.  Trust  also  in  Him, 
and  He  shall  bring  it  to  pass." 

Second — Choose  a  worthy  plan. 

Third — Each  day  study  hard  upon  it. 

Luther  had  this  motto:  Bene  est  studisse,  bene  est  precasse. 
To  study  well  is  to  pray  well. 


1910 

The  Mission  Band  gave  the  welcome  on  Linnet's  Birthday, 
July  21,  to  Dr.  Stoddard's  ninetieth  birthday. 

HYMN  OF  WELCOME 

The  ripened  seeds  of  gathered  flowers, 
The  golden  sheaves  of  garnered  grain 

Resown  by  all  the  coming  hours 
Will  blossom  and  mature  again. 

The  work  goes  on  and  on  and  on 
Until  we  bear  the  harvest  home. 

The  Mission  Band  to-day  would  bring 

Their  clusters  of  forget-me-not 
To  interwine  the  offering 

Of  laurels  from  this  garden  spot 
Where  forty  years  and  six  have  given 

So  much  to  earth,  received  from  Heaven. 

The  ninety  years  of  pilgrimage, 

The  fifty-eight  of  ministry, 
The  benedictions  to  the  age 

Of  counsel  and  of  sympathy, 
Are  recognized  afar  and  near 

More  valued  with  each  passing  year. 
126 


NINETIETH  BIRTHDAY  127 

On  Linnet's  birthday  we  have  come 

To  welcome  our  loved  Pastor  here, 
And  while  she  waits  for  us  at  Home 

We  celebrate  his  ninetieth  year, 
So  grateful  for  the  tender  care 

We  hope  for  many  years  to  share. 

E.  A.  S. 


The  Rev.  Robert  E.  Zeigler,  of  Baltimore,  spoke  of  the  meaning 
and  value  of  a  life  dedicated  to  the  highest  and  the  best, — a  most 
impressive  and  inspiring  address,  that  was  much  appreciated  by 
a  large  audience.  The  social  hour  with  its  refreshments  added  its 
pleasures  to  the  day. 

Westville,  N.  J.,  April  22, 1910. 


Rev.  E.  W.  Stoddard,  D.D., 

Dear  Dr., 

I  have  just  learned  that  you  will  reach  the  ninetieth  milestone 
on  your  life  journey,  and  I  count  it  my  very  happy  privilege  to 
greet  you  on  this  your  delightful  journey  toward  eternal  youth, 
and  inasmuch  as  it  is  a  journey  toward  the  happy  youthful  life 
above,  I  greet  you  as  ninety  years  young,  for  I  know  of  no  one  who 
more  forcibly  illustrates  to  me  how  one  can  retain  the  spirit  of 
youth,  than  your  delightful  self. 

I  first  remember  meeting  you  on  the  platform  at  the  Montreal 
International  C.  E.  Convention,  and  I  have  ever  carried  the  remem- 
brance of  your  kindly  face  and  the  inspiration  of  your  genial 
greeting. 

May  the  glorious  and  divine  Brother  (Heb.,  ii.,  10,  li)  who  has 


128  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

so  long  sustained  and  blessed  you,  be  with  you  on  Saturday  and  may 
you  on  the  Lord's  day  have  a  new  unction  to  preach  his  glorious 
Word. 

From  your 

Christian  Endeavor  Friend, 

W.  D.  STULTZ, 

Vice-President  State  C.  E.  Union, 
Westville, 

N.J. 


CHAPEL 


PHILADELPH I  A 


HOPATC  ONG 


GLEANINGS  FROM  DR.  STODDARD'S  FRIENDSHIP 

CALENDARS 
QUOTATIONS  AND  HEART  MESSAGES 

All  designed  to  represent  some  characteristic  of  their  dearly 
beloved  Pastor  and  Friend. 

1894  and  I9I° 

At  its  Christmas-tide,  1894  revealed  the  hidden  current  of 
many  beautiful  thoughts  as  they  were  crystallized  in  a  Book  of 
Remembrance.  On  the  covers  were  sprays  of  apple  blossoms,  most 
exquisite  in  design  and  coloring.  This  was  the  work  of  our  neigh- 
bor artist,  Mrs.  Wolfe,  the  wife  of  Dr.  T.  F.  Wolfe,  the  author. 
She  was  assisted  in  many  of  the  page  decorations  by  Mrs.  H.  C. 
Wiggins. 

Of  the  three  hundred  forty-two  pages,  seventy  contain  auto- 
graphs of  those  who  in  the  past  twenty  years  have  been  called 
higher,  among  them  the  beautiful  and  accomplished  Mrs.  Wolfe 
who  simply  wrote  on  her  page,  "Just  a  line  for  remembrance," 
while  every  page  revealed  her  artistic  touch  and  loving  thought, 

We  give 

REPRESENTATIVE  TRIBUTES 

"How  beautiful  upon  the  mountains  are  the  feet  of  him  that 
bringeth  good  tidings,  that  publisheth  peace;  that  bringeth  good 
tidings  of  good,  that  publisheth  salvation;  that  saith  unto  Zion, 
Thy  Godreigneth!" 

JULIA  A.  CANFIELD. 
129 


I3o  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

May  your  mental  abilities  never  grow  old  but  continue  youth- 
ful and  cheerful  to  the  end. 

W.  S.  GARY. 

"Fair  was  the  morn  and  the  noon  fleeting  fast, 
Let  us  live  as  brave  men  what  time  we  shall  last." 

WILLIAM  CORWIN. 

"Stilled  now  be  every  anxious  care; 
See  God's  great  goodness  everywhere ; 
Leave  all  to  Him  in  perfect  rest ; 
He  will  do  all  things  for  the  best." 

CONRAD  STUMPF. 

MY  DEAR  PASTOR: 

Many  thanks  for  your  good  sermons,  also  for  kind  attentions 
in  sorrow  and  bereavement,  in  joy,  in  pleasure,  as  well  as  during 
the  years  that  are  past. 

Hoping  that  we  shall  meet  in  our  Father's  house  on  high  where 
we  shall  know  as  we  are  known,  I  am  with  best  wishes  and  kindly 
Christmas  greetings  for  yourself  and  Mrs.  Stoddard. 
Very  sincerely 

Your  friend, 

NANCY  RIGGS. 
[Living  to-day  in  her  ninety-ninth  year.] 

As  I  look  back  through  the  long  vista  of  years,  my  memory 
recalls  your  advent  among  us.  During  all  these  long  years  you 
have  been  our  counselor,  pastor,  and  friend.  In  joy  and  sorrow 
your  sympathy  and  counsel  have  been  very  dear  and  precious  to 
us.  That  you  may  live  long  and  enjoy  the  harvest  you  have  so 
liberally  sown,  is  the  earnest  prayer  of 

Your  friend, 

JETUR  R.  RIGGS. 


GLEANINGS  FROM  DR.  STODDARD'S  CALENDARS      131 

"Oh!  happy  we,  if  all  along 

The  way  that  we  are  going 
Our  fellow-pilgrims  catch  the  song 
That  from  our  life  is  flowing. " 
Very  lovingly, 

SISTER  SARAH. 

"Now  from  many  an  earnest  mind 
Gentlest  thoughts  expression  find 
None  than  mine  can  be  more  kind." 

S.  B.  MEEKER. 

"A  little  while  my  patient  vigil  keeping, 

To  face  the  storm,  to  wrestle  with  the  wrong, 
A  little  while  to  sow  the  seed  with  reaping, 

Then  bind  the  sheaves  and  sing  the  harvest  song. " 

ARTHUR  G.  SKELLENGER. 

"  May  many  years  of  blessing, 

Be  added  to  thy  sowing 
Bringing  sheaves  unto  perfection 
Not  numbered  in  thy  knowing." 

THEO.  F.  KING. 

For  thirty  years  thy  counsel  hath 
Led  upward  in  the  narrow  path 

Of  light  and  love. 
May  many  more  be  kindly  given, 
To  still  win  souls  for  Christ  and  Heaven 

And  God  above. 

EMMA  L.  KING. 

"Yet  through  all  our  key-note  sounding, 
Angels'  watchword,  'All  is  well.'" 

ALBERT  RIGGS  POTTER. 


132  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

The  passing  years  have  fully  proved  that  friends  at  the  parson- 
age are  kind  and  true. 

May  the  Lord  add  many  blessings  to  those  whose  lives  have  been 
so  unselfishly  spent  among  us. 

NANNIE  W.  RIGGS. 

"Thrice  happy  lot  loved  flocks  to  lead 
From  earthly  on  to  heavenly  mead ! 
Songs  now  unite  for  those  we  love, 
And  join  angelic  choirs  above!" 

J.  HERVEY  COOK. 

"O  happiest  work  below, 
Earnest  of  joy  above, 
To  sweeten  many  a  cup  of  woe 
By  deeds  of  holy  love." 

SALLIE  M.  BYRAM. 

For  words  of  comfort  often  spoken, 
For  the  silken  tie  so  long  unbroken, 
Accept  this  humble  loving  token. 

With  kindest  regards, 

F.  V.  WOLFE. 

In  these  days  of  hurry  and  change  in  the  rulings  of  the  providence 
of  God,  not  many  enjoy  as  long  a  pastorate  as  has  Dr.  Stoddard 
and  the  Presbyterian  Church  at  Succasunna.     That  it  may  con- 
tinue and  prove  a  blessing  for  years  to  come  is  my  earnest  prayer. 
Yours  in  Christian  fellowship, 

MARCUS  R.  MEEKER. 

"Man's  life's  a  book  of  history, 
The  leaves  thereof  are  days, 
The  letters,  mercies  closely  joined, 
The  title  is,  God's  Praise." 

W.  C.  SWENEY. 


GLEANINGS  FROM  DR.  STODDARD'S  CALENDARS      133 

"God  gives  us  ministers  of  love, 

Which  we  regard  not,  being  near; 
Death  takes  them  from  us,  then  we  feel 
That  angels  have  been  with  us  here." 

MAMIE  H.  SWENEY. 

"The  Lord  bless  thee  and  keep  thee.  The  Lord  make  his  face 
to  shine  upon  thee  and  give  thee  peace." 

Your  friend  and  former  parishioner, 

D.  S.  ALLEN. 

"Nothing  useless  is,  or  low, 

Each  thing  in  its  place  is  best 
And  what  seems  but  idle  show 

Strengthens  and  supports  the  rest." 

GEO.  A.  GILLIG. 

That  your  Christmas  may  be  bright  with  the  presence  of  the 
blessed  Jesus,  the  company  of  loving  friends,  and  with  precious 
memories  of  an  angel  child,  is  our  wish. 

CHARLES  AUGUSTUS  STODDARD, 
MARY  PRIME  STODDARD. 

"What  do  we  live  for  if  it  is  not  to  make  life  less  difficult  to  each 
other?" 

"Duty  makes  us  do  things  well,  but  love  makes  us  do  them 
beautifully." 

The  comfort  of  having  a  friend  may  be  taken  away,  but  not 
that  of  having  had  one.  SENECA. 

I  have  heard  you  say  that  we  shall  see  and  know  our  friends 
in  heaven.  SHAKESPEARE. 


134  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

"A  whiter  soul,  a  fairer  mind, 

A  life  with  purer  source  and  aim, 
A  gentler  eye,  a  voice  more  kind, 
We  may  not  look  on  earth  to  find." 

"  Contact  with  a  strong  nature  inspires  us  with  strength.  Our 
friendship  should  give  a  new  zest  to  duty,  and  a  new  inspiration 
to  all  that  is  good." 

"We  live  in  deeds,  not  years;  in  thoughts,  not  breaths; 
In  feelings,  not  in  figures  on  a  dial. 
He  most  lives  who  thinks  most,  feels  the  noblest,  acts  the  best." 

"  Keep  evergreen  the  memory  of  the  many  happy  years  we  have 
spent  together  as  pastor  and  people." 

"  Our  friendship  has  been  a  golden  one  without  a  particle  of  alloy." 

MY  DEAR  DR.  STODDARD, 

I  want  to  send  you  my  love. 

AUDREY. 

Your  little  friend, 

GWENDOLYN  SAUVAGE. 

I  would  like  to  be  included  in  the  friendship  calendar. 

VIVIAN  SAUVAGE. 

It  is  April  now,  the  flowers  are  coming;  may  your  spring  be  a 

pleasant  one. 

ELAINE  SAUVAGE. 

"A  man  who  is  gentle  and  just, 
A  man  who  is  upright  and  true  to  his  trust." 

"  None  knew  thee  but  to  love  thee, 
Nor  named  thee  but  to  praise  thee." 


GLEANINGS  FROM  DR.  STODDARD'S  CALENDARS      135 

"There  is  no  end  to  the  sky, 
And  the  stars  are  everywhere, 
And  time  is  eternity, 
And  the  here  is  over  there. 
For  the  common  deeds  of  the  common  day, 
Are  ringing  bells  in  the  faraway." 

"A  friend  in  need"  my  neighbor  said  to  me, 
"A  friend  indeed,  is  what  I  mean  to  be; 
In  time  of  trouble  I  will  come  to  you, 
And  in  the  hour  of  need  you'll  find  me  true." 

I  thought  a  bit,  and  took  him  by  the  hand: 
"My  friend,  "  said  I,  "you  do  not  understand 
The  inner  meaning  of  that  simple  rhyme : 
A  friend  is  what  the  heart  needs  all  the  time." 

The  one  who  lives  close  to  the  hearts  of  men,  and  toils  patiently 
and  sweetly  for  their  uplift, — the  fruition  of  such  a  life  will  be 
glorious. 

Joy  is  love  looking  at  its  treasures, 
May  your  joys  ever  be  full. 

CUYLER. 

"This  is  your  birthday.  On  the  Calendars  of  those  who  know 
you  it  is  marked  with  gold.  As  both  a  holy  and  a  holiday." 

"You  make  us  happy  and  you  make  us  good,  by  simply  being 
with  you.  You  bestow  and  think  you  are  receiving:  like  a  rose 
that  marvels  at  the  fragrance  of  the  breeze. 

"We  are  most  glad  since  you  were  sent  to  earth  it  was  while 
we  are  here ;  not  hastened  down  to  shine  amidst  the  shadows  of  the 
past  nor  kept  to  grace  some  joyful  future  day,  but  come  to  share 
our  present  as  it  is,  and  leave  to-morrow  better  for  your  stay." 


I36  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

"This  is  birthday  week.  We  are  celebrating  with  cakes  and 
candles.  Every  candle  representing  a  light  in  the  household  in 
the  community — in  the  world.  May  it  shine  'on  and  on  and  on.'" 

"  Before  us  ever,  as  behind,  God  is,  and  all  is  well." 

'"What  is  so  rare  as  a  day  in  June,'  and  what  is  so  rare  as  the 
faithful  ministry  of  a  pastor  for  forty-five  years,  whose  constant 
thought  and  prayer  has  been  for  the  welfare  of  his  people,  that 
they  should  strive  for  all  that  is  highest  and  most  noble  in  life." 

He  was  a  man,  take  him  for  all  in  all, 
I  shall  not  look  upon  his  like  again. 

SHAKESPEARE. 

"It  is  easy  to  say  how  we  love  new  friends,  and  what  we  think 
of  them,  but  words  can  never  trace  out  all  the  fibres  that  knit  us 
to  the  old." 

"Thank  God  for  the  man  who  is  cheerful 
In  spite  of  life's  troubles,  I  say, 
Who  sings  of  a  bright  to-morrow, 
Because  of  the  clouds  of  to-day. 
His  life  is  a  beautiful  sermon, 
And  this  is  the  lesson  to  me, 
Meet  trials  with  smiles,  and  they  vanish, 
Face  cares  with  a  song  and  they  flee." 

"A  good  man  is  the  best  friend,  and  therefore  the  soonest  to  be 
chosen,  longest  to  be  retained,  and  indeed  never  to  be  parted  with.' 

"His  life  was  gentle,  and  the  elements 
So  mixed  in  him,  that  Nature  might  stand  up 
And  say  to  all  the  world, 
'This  was  a  man.'" 


GLEANINGS  FROM  DR.  STODDARD'S  CALENDARS      137 

To  REV.  E.  W.  STODDARD: 

On  this,  the  birthday  of  the  great  Thackeray,  I  remember  his 
wish  for  a  life-long  friend  that  he  "might  enjoy  an  age  of  benign 
restfulness  and  peace  after  an  active  life  spent  in  good  works," 
and  I  find  it  well  expresses  my  earnest  desire  for  my  esteemed  friend 
and  neighbor. 

Sincerely, 

THEO.  F.  WOLFE. 

Grow  old  along  with  me ! 

The  best  is  yet  to  be, 
The  last  of  life,  for  which  the  first  was  made : 

Our  times  are  in  His  hand 

Who  saith,  "A  whole  I  planned 
Youth  shows  but  half;  trust  God: 

See  all  nor  be  afraid!" 

BROWNING. 

"  To  our  dear  Dr.  Stoddard  with  a  great  gladness  for  the  oppor- 
tunity to  tell  him  how  we  love  him,  who  knows  so  well  how  to  guide 
in  the  true  path  and  make  the  Christ-life  so  attractive  and  clear 
and  plain.  May  he  be  spared  to  guide  us  for  many,  many  years 
and  may  his  be:  'The  slow  sweet  hours  that  bring  us  all  things 
good.'" 

"One  harvest  from  thy  field 
Homeward  brought  the  oxen  strong; 
A  second  crop  thine  acres  yield, 
Which  I  gather  in  a  song." 

"To  pass  through  life  beloved  as  few  are  loved, 
To  prove  the  joys  of  earth  as  few  have  proved, 
And  still  to  keep  the  soul's  white  robe  unstained, 
Such  is  the  victory  thou  hast  gained." 


138  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

A  life  well  spent  in  loving  deeds, 
A  life  to  others  given, 
God  blesses  here  upon  this  earth, 
And  crowns  at  last  in  heaven. 

"The  greatest  Art  in  Life  is  to  cultivate  the  love  of  doing  good, 
and  promoting  the  interests  of  others." 

"  Your  heart  is  as  great  as  the  world,  but  there  is  no  room  in  it 
to  hold  the  memory  of  a  wrong." 

"Nothing  ending  in  its  own  completeness 
Can  have  worth  or  beauty,  but  alone 
Because  it  leads  and  tends  to  further  sweetness 
Richer,  higher,  deeper  than  its  own." 

"O  God,  thou  hast  taught  me  from  my  youth.  Yea,  even  unto 
old  age  and  gray  hairs.  O  God,  forsake  me  not;  until  I  have  de- 
clared thy  strength  unto  the  next  generation." 

KING  DAVID. 

"  Many  years  of  noble  living, 
Many  years  of  generous  giving, 
Many  years  Christ's  message  talking, 
And  with  God  your  Father  walking." 

"A  quotation  is  all  very  well,  but  between  lifelong  friends  I  feel 
the  need  of  something  more  intimate  and  personal.  I  can  not 
remember  the  time  when  I  did  not  look  up  to  you  with  love  and 
veneration  which  have  grown  with  the  years. 

"Long  may  you  live  to  be  a  blessing  to  all  who  know  and  love 
you." 

Honor  to  the  man,  who,  in  the  declining  vale  of  tears,  continues 
to  learn  new  subjects  and  to  add  to  his  wisdom. 

ARISTOPHANES  TO  SOCRATES. 


GLEANINGS  FROM  DR.  STODDARD'S  CALENDARS      139 

"  May  the  many  years  of  labor  for  the  Master  be  productive  of 
great  results  for  many  years  when  your  labors  shall  have  ended." 

"Many  sons  have  done  well,  but  thou  excelleth  them  all." 

"  Let  this  page  bear  a  message  of  love  to  one  who  has  always  had 
the  good  of  his  people  first  in  his  thoughts." 

MR.  CHARLES  P.  ARNOLD 
happy  in  boyhood  memories  of  a  faithful  pastor, 

and  thankful  that, 

though  in  another  field  yet  in  the  same  work 
that  servant  of  the  Lord  has  been  permitted  to  labor  on, 

sends    to    him, 
The  Rev.  ELIJAH  W.  STODDARD,  D.D., 

most   hearty   congratulations 
on    the    felicitous    rounding    out    of 

three-and-eighty  years 
of  his  still  continuing  life  of  usefulness, 
ANGELICA,  NEW  YORK, 
April  23, 1903. 

Congratulations  to  Rev.  E.  W.  Stoddard,  D.D.,  on  his  eighty- 
third  birthday. 

FRANKLIN  MURPHY, 
Governor  of  New  Jersey. 

Heartiest  congratulations  and  thank  God  for  the  saintly  char- 
acter and  beneficent  ministry  of  Dr.  Stoddard. 

In  best  bonds, 

KERR  BOYCE  TUPPER. 


140  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

Hearty  congratulations  to  the  oldest  pastor  in  my  dear  Mother's 
native  county  of  Morris. 

"And  in  old  age  when  others  fade 
They  fruit  still  forth  shall  bring, 
They  shall  be  fat  and  full  of  sap 
And  aye  be  flourishing." 

THEODORE  L.  CUYLER. 


TO  THE  REV.  E.  W.  STODDARD 
APRIL  23rd,  1911 

From  one  who  styled  herself  "twin-sister." 

A  heartfelt  wish  in  simple  words  expressed, 
God's  richest  blessings  on  thy  birthday  rest, 
Bright  as  the  past,  Oh,  may  thy  future  be, 
Till  time  shall  end  in  immortality. 
Sincerely  your  friend, 

FANNY  J.  CROSBY. 

1911 

On  his  ninety-first  birthday,  Dr.  Stoddard  was  favored  with 
a  visit  from  his  lifelong  friend,  the  Rev.  Wilson  J.  Phraner,  D.D., 
of  East  Orange,  New  Jersey.  The  two  standing  in  the  pulpit 
represented  one  hundred  and  eighty  years  of  life. 

Dr.  Phraner,  preached  the  sermon,  taking  the  text  from  the 
9 ist  Psalm,  "With  long  life  will  I  satisfy  him,  and  show  him  my 
salvation."  The  remarks  were  based  upon,  The  things  that  conduce 
to  a  Happy  Old  Age, — a  good  measure  of  health  of  body  and  mind; 
congenial  occupation;  a  competence  sufficient  to  secure  against 
anxiety  and  care ;  faith  in  God ;  hope  for  the  future. 

At  the  close  of  the  sermon  Dr.  Phraner  recited  the  following  poem : 

Old!     Are  we  growing  old? 

Life  blossoms  as  we  pass  along, 
Up  the  hills  toward  the  lovelier  dawn 

Of  the  brighter  world  beyond. 
It  is  because  Heaven  is  in  us  to  bud  and  unfold 

We  are  only  growing  young,  because  we  are  growing  old. 

141 


I42  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

Old!    Are  we  growing  old? 

Passing  along  this  beautiful  road, 
Finding  this  earth  a  still  fairer  abode. 

Nobler  deeds  by  our  hands  to  be  wrought, 
A  wider  range  for  our  hope  and  our  thought ; 

The  thought  of  God's  love  so  sufficient  for  all 
Who  hear  and  give  heed  to  his  kindly  call. 

But  it  is  because  of  the  promise  of  the  years  untold 
That  we  are  cheerfully  growing  old. 

Old!     Are  we  growing  old? 

Passing  up  where  the  sunshine  is  clear, 
Watching  the  wider  horizon  appear 

Out  of  the  mists  which  encompassed  our  youth, 
Standing  more  firmly  on  the  mountains  of  truth, 

Daily  rejoicing  in  God's  wondrous  love, 
And  setting  our  hearts  on  things  above. 

But  it  is  because  of  the  promise  of  the  years  untold 
That  we  are  joyfully  growing  old. 

Growing  Old!    Are  we  growing  old? 

Passing  on  toward  those  gardens  of  rest, 
Which  glow  through  golden  gates  of  the  West, 

Where  the  rose  and  the  amaranth  blend 
And  every  path  is  the  way  to  a  friend — 

The  friends  we  have  loved,  but  who  have  gone  on  before — 
The  friends  who  await  us  on  the  heavenly  shore. 

But  ah !     It's  because  of  the  promise  of  the  years  untold 
That  we  are  hopefully  growing  old. 

It's  because  Heaven  is  in  us  to  bud  and  to  unfold 
That  we  are  only  growing  younger,  because  we  are  growing  old. 


At  the  spring  Meeting  of  Presbytery  at  East  Orange,  N.  J., 
after  the  approval  of  the  examination  of  the  Rev.  W.  G.  Greenslade 
and  his  ordination,  Dr.  Stoddard  was  requested  to  give  the  charge 
to  the  new  minister  who  was  to  go  on  his  mission  to  Syria,  in  August. 

There  was  no  time  for  rest  or  preparation,  but  Paul's  words  to 
Timothy  had  been  studied  for  sixty-one  years,  and  the  heart  had 
its  message,  which,  in  tones  of  the  clearest,  richest,  tenderest  sym- 
pathy, portrayed  the  work  for  another  of  his  sons  in  the  ministry. 

It  was  his  last  service  to  the  Presbytery  of  Morris  and  Orange, 
and  it  was  worthy  of  his  record. 

Recognition  of  the  entrance  into  the  sixtieth  year  of  ministry 

MEMORIES  OF  DR.  GESSLER'S  SERMON. 
MAY  19,  1911. 

"But  let  them  that  love  Him  be  as  the  sun  going  forth  in  his 
might."  Judges,  v,  31,  36. 

The  Christian  is  compared  to  the  sun.  What  does  this  com- 
parison suggest? 

First, — The  majesty  of  the  life  hid  with  Christ  in  God.  To 
be  a  Christian  is  no  mean  privilege.  It  is  as  high  above  the  in- 
significant as  heaven  is  above  earth.  The  call  of  Christ  is  a  sum- 
mons to  power.  We  sit  down  with  him  on  his  throne.  We  acquire 
a  kingly  bearing.  There  is  a  regal  atmosphere  about  us.  We  are 
heirs  of  all  things.  We  share  the  majesty  of  the  Eternal. 

Again, — This  comparison  suggests  the  beneficence  of  the 
Christian  life.  The  sun  is  the  friend  of  all.  It  is  continually 
bathing  the  world  in  a  flood  of  light.  Its  reign  is  beneficent.  All 

H3 


144  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STOOD ARD 

material  blessings  are  traceable  to  its  power.  So  the  Christian 
does  good  to  all  men,  loves  his  neighbor  as  himself,  forgives  his 
enemies,  prays  for  them  that  despitefully  use  him.  He  follows 
in  the  footsteps  of  him  from  whom  all  blessings  flow.  If  he  has 
the  majesty  of  a  king,  he  has  also  the  humble  lowliness  of  a  servant. 
He  is  among  men  as  one  that  serveth.  His  majesty  is  that  of  one 
who  is  the  servant  of  his  people.  As  the  sun  is  unwearied  in  pouring 
out  its  blessings  upon  the  earth,  so  the  Christian  does  not  grow 
weary  in  well-doing.  In  his  efforts  to  reclaim  the  lost  he  does  not 
become  discouraged  through  repeated  failures.  He  seeks  until  he 
finds.  His  love  is  tireless  and  his  patience  is  without  limit.  When 
he  has  done  all,  he  still  feels  himself  an  unprofitable  servant.  There 
is  no  discharge  in  this  war.  He  is  ever  in  pursuit  of  a  flying  goal. 
The  nearer  he  comes  to  it,  the  further  does  it  withdraw.  He  can 
never  say  anything  else  but,  "I  press  on."  He  is  faithful  to  the  end. 

The  application  was  in  Dr.  Gessler's  most  felicitous  style, 
voicing  his  own  appreciation  and  that  of  his  hearers.  One  of  them, 
sharing  the  pulpit  on  that  occasion,  has  given  the  closing  thought 
in  the  language  of  a  later  date. 

Those  who  knew  and  loved  the  pastor  of  Succasunna  like  to 
think  of  him  in  the  language  of  this  verse.  He  was  indeed  as  the 
sun  going  forth  in  his  might.  Who  can  ever  forget  that  majesty 
of  mien,  that  superiority  to  all  things  trifling  and  insignificant, 
that  absorption  in  all  things  high  and  holy.  Nor  was  that  majesty 
more  marked  than  the  benevolence  with  which  it  was  allied. 

All  through  these  years  Dr.  Stoddard  has  allowed  his  light  to 
shine.  How  many  have  seen  that  light  and  rejoiced  in  it  only 
eternity  can  reveal.  The  darkness  fled  at  his  approach.  Through- 
out his  pastorate  a  steady  stream  of  good  words  and  good  deeds 
flowed  forth  from  his  capacious  heart.  He  knew  how  to  do  good  to 
all  men  and  especially  to  those  who  are  of  the  household  of  faith. 

His  life  is  an  impressive  illustration  of  the  words  of  our  text: — 
"As  the  sun  going  forth  in  his  might." 


1911 

Poem  used  in  Dr.  Stoddard's  sermon  of  December  3ist. 
LAST  CHIMES  OF  THE  OLD  YEAR 

The  year  that  came  on  Sabbath  day 
With  Sabbath  hours  will  pass  away; 
The  fifty  Sabbaths  in  between, 
With  visions  of  the  world  unseen, 
Have  made  "The  Day  of  all  the  Seven" 
The  crown  and  joy  of  Nineteen  eleven. 

The  year  that  came  on  Sabbath  day 
With  Sabbath  hours  will  pass  away ; 
What  sacred  memories  entwine 
Around  this  dial  plate  of  time 
That  marks  a  year  of  blessings  given 
In  daily  care  and  grace  from  Heaven. 

The  year  that  came  on  Sabbath  day 
With  Sabbath  hours  will  pass  away, 
But  in  the  days  and  years  to  come, 
For  every  heart  and  every  home 
Our  Father's  love  has  good  in  store 
As  boundless  as  the  evermore. 

The  Old  year  rings  its  far-off  chime 
As  with  a  melody  sublime, 
The  bells  upon  "the  midnight  clear" 
Proclaim  the  advent  of  a  year 
That  we  would  Consecrate  together 
To  every  noble,  true  Endeavor. 

E.  A.  S. 
145 


This  year  Dr.  Phraner  once  more  favored  Dr.  Stoddard  and  his 
people  by  preaching  in  his  pulpit  on  the  Sabbath  preceding  the 
birthday,  giving  another  recital  of  interesting  experiences. 

The  ninety-second  birthday  was  celebrated  by  a  reception  at 
the  parsonage.  Ninety-two  beautiful  white  carnations,  ninety- 
two  sweet-pea  blossoms  and  ninety-two  frosted  cakes  with  candles 
indicated  the  celebration  of  a  ninety-second  birthday.  The  cakes 
formed  the  initials  E.  W.  S. — 1820-1912 — and  were  lighted  a 
number  of  times  during  the  afternoon  and  evening  as  groups  of 
guests  were  gathered  around  the  long  table  with  Dr.  Stoddard. 
Friends  from  a  distance  mingled  with  the  home  people  and  enjoyed 
the  interchange  of  thought  with  one  another,  as  well  as  the  oppor- 
tunity to  congratulate  their  Pastor. 

By  request  the  following  tribute  was  read,  while  the  candles 
flooded  the  room  with  light : 

On  a  very  quaint  card  that  read  "Happy  Returns, " 
A  message  was  printed  that  most  deeply  concerns 
Every  student  of  life  for  it  said,  "As  you  climb 
You  become  such  a  problem  to  poor  Father  Time; 
On  each  birthday  you  have,  come  those  sighings  of  his 
'Why,  the  older  I  make  him  the  younger  he  is.' 
Growing  old  as  we  number  the  ninety  and  two, 
Growing  younger  as  eagles  their  strength  may  renew 
By  the  heights  they  attain  and  the  depths  they  explore 
And  the  vision  that  circles  the  ocean  and  shore, 
Since  life  in  its  meaning,  most  true  and  sublime, 

146 


NINETY-SECOND  BIRTHDAY  147 

Can  never  be  measured,  by  milestones  of  time, 

Its  heart-throbs,  its  purpose,  its  love  for  mankind 

Must  tell  of  its  value,  for  the  years  but  remind 

Of  occasions  for  service,  of  springtime  and  sheaves, 

Of  the  promise  of  harvests  in  fresh  budding  leaves, 

And  thus  life,  growing  larger  in  promise  and  store, 

Is  a  part  of  the  life  of  the  great  evermore. 

And  as  thus  benedictions  shall  hallow  the  day 

We  ask  for  new  blessings,  to  the  end  of  the  way. 

Your  birthday — how  splendid,  as  life's  hill  you  still  climb, 

May  you  long  be  a  problem  to  poor  Father  Time. 

On  each  birthday  you  have,  may  this  sighing  be  his, 

'The  older  I  make  him,  the  younger  he  is.' ' 

E.  A.  S. 

Upon  the  ninety-second  birthday  Rev.  Dr.  Gessler  writes: 
"  So  you  are  ninety-two  years  young.  It  is  according  to  a  well- 
indorsed  promise  that  they  that  wait  upon  the  Lord  shall  renew  their 
strength,  so  that  there  is  really  nothing  marvelous  or  miraculous 
about  you.  You  have  tried  to  do  your  part  of  the  bargain  and  the 
Lord  is  simply  keeping  his  word  as  He  always  does. 

"  May  every  year  bring  to  you  its  own  handful  of  blessings." 


The  ninety-fourth  birthday,  at  the  completion  of  ninety-three 
years,  was  celebrated  at  the  parsonage.  The  ninety-four  candles 
on  the  little  frosted  cakes,  grouped  into  E.  W.  S.,  and  1820,  and 
1913*  were  lighted  a  number  of  times  and  given  as  souvenirs,  as  in 
other  years,  both  afternoon  and  evening. 

About  eight  P.M.,  Dr.  Stoddard,  finding  himself  surrounded 
by  a  very  large  circle,  asked  for  the  reading  of  the  poem,  "The 
Lord  is  My  Shepherd,"  that  was  suggested  by  the  sermon  of  the 
Rev.  Robert  E.  Zeigler,  who  came  from  Baltimore  to  preach  on 
the  Sabbath  nearest  this  birthday. 

After  the  reading,  Dr.  Stoddard,  in  a  clear,  sweet,  resonant 
voice,  gave  some  touching  reminiscences,  and  most  loving,  tender, 
counsel.  They  came  from  the  heart,  they  entered  into  the  heart, 
and  no  words  can  reproduce  them  on  paper. 

As  Dr.  Stoddard' s  picture  had  been  placed  in  the  Christian 
Endeavor  World  of  that  week,  copies  were  given  to  the  friends.  We 
give  selections  from  the  article : 

A  93-YEAR-OLD  ENDEAVORER 

The  Christian  Endeavor  World  gives  a  hearty  birthday  greeting 
to  the  beloved  Pastor  and  enthusiastic  Christian  Endeavor  worker, 
Rev.  Elijah  W.  Stoddard,  D.D.,  who  was  born  April  23,  1820,  and 
this  week  reached  the  splendid  age  of  ninety-three. 

Notice  his  Christian  Endeavor  pin  on  his  scarf  in  the  portrait. 
This  little  emblem  seems  a  part  of  Dr.  Stoddard.  Though  ninety- 
three  years  old,  he  is  still  the  active  pastor  of  the  Presbyterian 

148 


A  93- YEAR-OLD  ENDEAVORER  149 

Church  of  Succasunna,  N.  J.,  after  fifty  years  of  service  in  that 
parish,  and  sixty-one  in  the  gospel  ministry. 

He  attends  national  and  international  Christian  Endeavor 
conventions,  and  brings  from  them  inspiration  to  the  societies  at 
home.  Our  readers  will  remember  that  he  stood  on  the  platform 
at  Atlantic  City  with  Fanny  Crosby,  who  claims  him  to  be  her 
"twin  brother, "  as  there  is  but  one  month's  difference  in  their  ages. 
Dr.  Stoddard  was  made  a  life  member  by  the  Morris  County 
Christian  Endeavor  union. 

Young  people  are  often  supposed  to  oppose  aged  ministers  and 
to  rally  around  young  pastors  only.  This  is  not  the  case.  When  a 
man  of  many  years  carries,  like  Dr.  Stoddard,  a  young  and  fervent 
heart,  young  folks  will  always  love  him,  and  honor  him  all  the  more 
for  his  silver  hair. 


DR.  STODDARD  AND  HIS  OFFICIAL  MEMBERS  AT  THE 

PARSONAGE 

The  parsonage  was  built  in  the  pastorate  of  the  Rev.  Josiah 
Fisher,  the  predecessor  of  Dr.  Stoddard.  It  was  enlarged  in  1899 
by  the  rebuilding  of  the  dining-room  and  the  kitchen,  and  the 
addition  of  another  story  with  a  sun-parlor  and  modern  improve- 
ments. 

In  the  autumn  of  1912  a  sun-parlor  was  erected  over  the  south- 
western part  of  the  porch,  giving  a  fine  view  and  abundance  of  air. 

In  1913  an  elevator  was  put  in  so  that  Dr.  Stoddard  could  have 
the  freedom  of  the  house  and  attend  church;  and  although  some- 
times in  much  pain,  his  face  was  radiant  with  delight.  He  was 
glad  when  they  said,  Let  us  go  to  the  house  of  the  Lord;  and  his 
presence  was  a  benediction.  Taking  some  part  in  each  service, 
entering  into  the  theme  of  the  morning,  emphasizing  its  thought 
in  the  prayer,  welcoming  his  people  as  they  gathered  around  him, 
his  Sabbaths  were  foretastes  of  heaven. 

Only  three  weeks  before  his  translation,  he  enjoyed  this 
privilege.  At  that  time  he  led  in  the  congregational  prayer.  Its 
scope,  its  fervor,  its  tone,  its  manner,  thrilled  the  hearts  of  the 
audience,  revealing  the  wonderful  strength  of  his  mind,  as  well  as 
the  unconquerable  love  of  his  heart. 

Before  the  benediction,  as  if  he  felt  it  to  be  the  last,  he  uttered 
one  more  prayer  that  God  would  bless  the  families  of  this  church 
and  community.  It  seemed  as  if  an  angel  spake. 

A  message  was  sent  even  to  the  last  Sabbath,  and  many  feel 
that  messages  still  come  from  Home. 

150 


1913 

Written  by  Dr.  Stoddard  for  The  Twenty-fifth  Anniversary 
of  the  Christian  Endeavor  Society. 

While  the  poet  cautioned  wisely  when  he  said,  "Look not  mourn- 
fully into  the  past — it  comes  not  back  again;  wisely  improve  the 
present — it  is  thine,  go  forth  to  meet  the  shadowy  future  without 
fear  and  with  a  manly  heart,"  there  is  a  backward  look  that  in- 
spires to  present  duty  and  prepares  for  future  usefulness. 

This  Christian  Endeavor  Society  has  attained  its  twenty-fifth 
year.  These  twenty-five  years  emphasize  three  facts: — First, 
The  Church  must  depend  upon  and  culture  its  young  people. 
Second,  This  Society  has  demonstrated  and  illustrated  the  wisdom 
of  the  methods  employed  to  cultivate  piety  and  prepare  for  Chris- 
tian work.  Third,  Study  of  the  word  and  prayer,  that  have  been 
the  means  of  its  growth  in  grace  and  in  knowledge,  are  of  the  greatest 
importance  to-day;  Study  of  the  word  and  prayer,  the  efficient 
preparation  for  the  work  of  the  present  and  the  future.  This  work 
is  personal  work,  involving  individual  responsibility. 

No  one  can  do  it  for  another.  We  can  help  each  other,  we  can 
work  together,  but  it  is  a  personal  endeavor  for  Christ  and  the 
church  that  wins  the  blessing. 

I  am  glad  to-day  to  wish  you  God-speed. 

For  down  the  future  through  long  generations, 

The  work  is  to  go  on  and  still  increase, 
A  Psalm  of  life  whose  sweet  vibrations 

Give  to  the  world  the  messages  of  Peace. 
151 


152  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

The  Five  and  Twenty  years  of  your  Endeavor 

Are  prophecies  of  half  a  century 
That  may  be  yours  as  working  on  together 

You  celebrate  a  well-earned  Jubilee. 

And  looking  back  trace  inspirations  given 
As  a  new  altar  crowns  the  milestone  here, 

And  gathered  at  the  very  gate  of  Heaven 
Recount  the  mercies  of  a  Fiftieth  year. 

Thus  on  and  on,  and  on  and  on  forever 

Until  the  sunset  bells  ring  out  their  chime, 
And  then  the  rich  fruition  of  endeavor 

And  better  service  in  a  holier  clime. 

E.  A.  S. 


DR.   STODDARD'S  LAST  SERMON 

As  the  last  funeral  service  of  the  Pastorate,  this  sermon  for  Mrs. 
Wm.  Gary,  at  Gary's,  on  May  15,  1913,  is  given  in  full. 

JOHN  xiv,  2,  3. 

"I  go  to  prepare  a  place  for  you,  and  if  I  go  and  prepare  a 
place  for  you,  I  will  come  again  and  receive  you  unto  myself. " 

One  more  of  God's  dear  children  has  gone  home.  A  long  life 
of  devoted  service  has  endeared  her  to  this  household,  to  this  com- 
munity, and  to  the  church  of  God. 

Her  going  takes  with  her  loved  personality,  the  tender  counsel, 
the  unfailing  sympathy,  the  sweet  helpfulness  that  made  the 
earthly  home  so  full  of  comfort.  The  place  is  conscious  of  her 
presence  still.  Her  work  will  go  on  and  on  and  on  in  its  inspiration 
to  a  true  life,  even  while  she  rests  in  the  Father's  home  above. 

There  is  no  more  solemn  moment  in  life  than  when  we  watch 
the  going  away  of  a  loved  one.  Every  breath  is  noted,  falling  on 
the  ear  like  the  retiring  footfall  of  one  about  to  journey  beyond; 
but  on  the  quiet  face  is  the  record  of  God's  peace  that  He  giveth 
to  his  own,  as  He  takes  them  to  Himself. 

Last  Sabbath  afternoon,  as  we  bowed  in  prayer  beside  the  seem- 
ingly unconscious  form,  the  eyelids  opened  once  more  and  there 
was  the  faintest  sound  of  recognition,  a  sweet  farewell  as  she  was 
passing  away, — a  pause  in  the  going  to  give  one  more  dear  mes- 
sage to  the  beloved, — a  token  for  earth  almost  from  the  Father's 
door  of  Heaven. 

153 


154  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

She  had  early  given  her  heart  to  God.  She  had  lived  the  life 
of  the  Christian;  she  had  kept  the  faith;  she  was  ready  to  go  home. 

Eleven  years  ago,  her  beloved  husband,  the  honored  William  S. 
Gary,  was  gathered  to  his  fathers.  In  the  long  years  of  bereavement 
this  home  and  this  church  have  realized  the  blessedness  of  prophetic 
words  uttered  by  our  Brother  Gary  to  his  pastor  in  answer  to  the 
remark,  "God  is  faithful  to  His  promises.  We  can  trust  Him  at  all 
times. "  With  kindled  eye,  and  outstretched  hand,  and  an  emphasis 
of  tone  that  carried  conviction,  our  Brother  said,  "And  He  will  do  it." 

Let  the  household  again  bereaved,  let  the  community  once 
more  in  sorrow,  let  the  church  in  her  hour  of  need,  lay  hold  on 
the  promises  of  God,  and  repeat  after  every  one,  "He  will  do  it." 
God  will  redeem  his  word;  it  is  a  part  of  Himself.  He  will  do  it. 

We  have  watched  and  waited  long  with  our  beloved  on  this  side 
the  river.  She  has  passed  over  and  her  going  brings  us  nearer  to 
the  unseen. 

At  the  moment  of  our  Brother's  passing,  a  clear,  distinct,  beauti- 
ful rainbow  arched  the  distant  blue,  beneath  the  cloud.  It  was 
so  beautiful  that  it  seemed  almost  a  reflection  of  the  beyond,  as  it 
reminded  us  of  the  legend  of  the  Norsemen,  that  the  spirits  of  the 
good  pass  over  a  rainbow  bridge  to  their  home. 

So  our  beloved  Sister  has  followed  those  who  through  faith  and 
patience  have  inherited  the  promise.  She  is  not  here  because  God 
has  taken  her  to  himself. 

She  loved  the  house  of  God.  On  February  7,  1869,  she  was  one 
of  the  cluster  of  thirteen  welcomed  into  the  Succasunna  Presby- 
terian Church.  Two  of  these  remain  on  earth,  but  they  have 
removed  to  other  church  homes.  Our  beloved  sister  is  the  last  on 
the  record. 

The  interests  of  Zion  were  always  near  to  her  heart.  While 
unable  in  later  years  to  attend  the  services,  she  loved  the  church 
of  God,  and  even  in  this  last  illness  expressed  great  concern  for  its 
welfare. 


DR.  STODDARD'S  LAST  SERMON  155 

The  life  of  a  Christian  is  its  own  eulogy.  Each  of  us  permitted 
to  know  her  will  cherish  tender  memories  of  her  constancy  and 
faithfulness.  The  dear  Lord  had  need  of  her  beyond.  He  came  for 
her.  He  has  said  at  the  entrance  of  her  new  home,  "This  is  the 
place  prepared  for  you, — the  place  for  which  you  have  been  prepar- 
ing by  your  fidelity  to  all  the  entrustments  of  time.  Enter  thou 
into  the  joy  of  thy  Lord." 

We  too  are  'going  Home. 

One  by  one  we  miss  the  voices 

That  we  loved  so  well  to  hear. 
One  by  one  the  cherished  faces 

In  the  shadows  disappear. 

But  to  us  it  has  been  given 

Walking  with  them  day  by  day 
To  the  very  gate  of  Heaven 

Thus  to  help  them  on  their  way. 

And  when  we  have  filled  our  mission, 

With  each  precious  absent  one, 
There  remains  a  full  fruition 

In  the  Heavenly  Father's  Home. 

Almost  to  the  edge  of  Heaven 

Parting  at  the  open  door 
By  and  bye  to  us  be  given 

Welcomes  there  forevermore. 

E.  A.  S. 


MEMORIES  OF  THE  EVENTFUL  SABBATH 
NOVEMBER  2,   1913 

Before  the  Pastor  was  taken  to  the  church  for  his  silent  message 
and  the  last  benediction  of  his  bodily  presence,  a  short  service  was 
held  at  the  Parsonage  by  the  Rev.  John  Bovenizer  and  the  Rev. 
Robert  E.  Zeigler. 

Dr.  Stoddard's  last  request,  "  Let  everything  be  done  to  the  glory 
of  God,"  was  the  one  thought  of  the  ministerial  brethren.  The 
Rev.  Dr.  J.  M.  Buckley  in  the  invocation  lifted  our  souls  from  a 
present  crushing  sorrow  to  the  blessed  hope  of  the  beyond. 

The  Rev.  H.  M.  Dare  read  the  selections  made  by  Dr.  Stoddard 
for  his  home  reading  the  previous  Sabbath,  among  them  1st  Thess. 
iv,  13-18.  Prayer  was  offered  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  T.  A.  Gessler. 

The  sermon,  given  in  full  on  another  page,  was  by  Dr.  D.  R. 
Frazer,  a  lifelong  friend. 

Rev.  R.  E.  Zeigler  read  selections  from  letters  of  sympathy  and 
appreciation,  from  members  of  the  Presbytery;  from  Dr.  Francis 
Brown,  President  of  Union  Seminary;  C.  E.  Sproul  and  many 
others,  after  which  Dr.  Charles  A.  Stoddard,  a  kinsman  and  lifelong 
friend,  paid  the  tribute  of  the  Stoddard  clan. 

The  male  quartette  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  tenderly  sang 
a  number  of  selections,  among  which  were :  "Beyond  the  Smiling  and 
the  Weeping  We  Shall  Be  Soon,"  and  "The  Christian's  Good  Night." 

The  ladies  had  appropriately  decorated  the  pulpit  with  palms, 
white  chrysanthemums,  resurrection  lilies,  and  white  roses.  There 
were  thirty-five  floral  pieces,  representing  the  Roxbury  school,  and 
all  the  organizations  of  the  church,  as  well  as  friends,  near  and  far. 

It  is  estimated  that  five  hundred  persons  were  at  the  church  while 

156 


MEMORIES  OF  THE  EVENTFUL  SABBATH  157 

the  chapel  was  filled.  A  special  trolley  car  brought  a  large  delega- 
tion from  New  Rochelle,  N.  Y.,  Brooklyn,  and  Newark. 

Dr.  Stoddard  rests  in  the  shadow  of  the  church  he  loved  so  well 
on  earth  and  now  represents  in  Heaven. 

His  life  has  entered  into  the  community  as  an  inspiration  to  all 
that  is  "true  and  lovely  and  of  good  report. " 


SERMON  BY  DR.   D.  R.  FRAZER 

It  is  a  noteworthy  fact  that  the  Bible,  in  recording  for  our 
instruction  the  careers  of  the  men  and  the  women  whose  names  and 
work  find  a  place  on  the  sacred  page,  presents  their  faults  and  their 
foibles  as  fully  and  as  forcefully  as  it  does  their  virtues  and  successes. 

And  it  is  equally  noteworthy  that  these  faults  and  foibles  are 
ordinarily  in  marked  contrast  with,  often  in  direct  contradiction  of, 
those  peculiar  traits  which  constituted  the  real  excellences  of  the 
worthies  named. 

Abraham  was  the ' '  Friend  of  God ' '  and  the  Father  of  the  Faithful, 
but  that  was  a  very  shabby  trick  he  tried  to  play  on  Pharaoh. 

Moses  was  the  meekest  of  men,  but  his  self-assertion  at  Meribah 
cost  him  his  inheritance  in  the  land  of  promise. 

Peter  was  bold,  impetuous,  ready  to  go  to  prison  or  to  death  for 
his  Master,  yet  in  the  hour  of  greatest  need  he  quailed  under  the 
taunts  of  a  waiting-maid. 

John,  the  beloved  disciple  and  the  disciple  of  love,  was  he  who 
would  have  "called  down  fire  from  heaven,"  responsive  to  that  lowest 
and  meanest  of  sectarian  considerations,  "they  follow  us  not." 

Than  Elijah,  the  Tishbite,  Jehovah  never  had  a  more  faithful 
servant,  nor  the  truth  a  more  loyal  witness.  He  was  the  incarnation 
of  courage.  No  threat  could  terrify,  no  danger  alarm,  no  sacrifice 
impede. 

Yet  we  find  him  under  a  juniper  tree,  dejected,  disconsolate, 


158  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

wanting  to  die  rather  than  await  the  glorious  translation  which  his 
gracious  Master  had  prepared  for  him. 

Is  it  any  marvel  that  the  Angel  of  the  Lord,  as  if  surprised  at  the 
sight  which  greeted  him,  should  cry  out  "What  doest  thou  here, 
Elijah? 

Yet  we  can  find  reasons  for  this  development  perhaps  better 
than  the  Angel  could. 

One  reason  would  be  physical  exhaustion.  Think  of  the  awful 
strain  on  Carmel.  Think  of  that  fifteen-mile  race  before  the  king's 
chariot  to  Jezreel  in  a  blinding  storm,  where  he  was  confronted  with 
Jezebel's  threat,  "By  this  time  to-morrow  thy  life  shall  be  as  the  life 
of  one  of  Baal's  slain  prophets. 

It  was  "the  last  straw" ;  the  man  was  unnerved,  and  that  it  was 
this  physical  reaction  rather  than  cowardice  which  prompted  the 
flight  is  attested  by  the  provision  of  "the  cake  and  the  cruse." 
Many  a  despondent  man  seeks  the  D.D.  when  he  really  needs  the 
care  of  the  M.D. 

Another  reason  would  be  the  prophet's  loneliness. 

On  Carmel  he  faced  eight  hundred  and  fifty  false  prophets; 
dictated  the  test  to  be  used,  "The  God  that  answereth  by  fire,  let 
Him  be  God."  He  cried,  "  I,  even  I  only,  remain  a  prophet  of  the 
Lord,"  without  any  thought  of  isolation. 

But  then,  there  was  the  excitement  of  the  occasion.  Now,  he 
was  solitary  and  alone. 

Solitude  and  meditation  are  good  for  the  soul,  hence  Jesus 
enjoins,  "Enter  into  thy  closet  and  shut  the  door. "  But  this  is  not 
the  only  duty  or  the  highest  good,  hence  the  mandate,  "Son,  go 
work  to-day  in  my  vineyard. " 

There  may  be  men  of  sufficient  force  to  live  godly  lives  in  the 
cloister,  but  ordinarily,  piety  is  dwarfed  when  divorced  from  proper 
associations. 

To  meet  this  need  the  lonely  prophet  was  told  that  there  were 
seven  thousand  in  Israel  who  had  not  bowed  the  knee  to  Baal. 


MEMORIES  OF  THE  EVENTFUL  SABBATH  159 

But  perhaps  his  seeming  failure  was  his  heaviest  burden.  On 
Carmel  his  life  mission  was  apparently  crowned  with  success,  for  the 
people  cried,  "Jehovah,  He  is  God." 

Now  he  takes  up  the  lamentation,  "I,  even  I  only,  am  left,  and  they 
seek  my  life. "  To  correct  this  misapprehension,  a  strong  wind,  an 
earthquake,  and  a  fire  came,  but  God  was  not  in  the  wind,  the  quake, 
or  the  fire. 

And  after  the  fire  came  a  still  small  voice  saying,  "What  doest 
thou  here,  Elijah?"  directing  him  where  to  go  and  what  to  do. 

Had  the  Angel  of  the  Lord  appeared  to  the  venerable  man  on 
whose  behalf  we  are  gathered  to  pay  our  tribute  of  respect  and  love 
before  we  commit  all  that  is  mortal  to  the  custody  of  the  tomb, 
he  would  have  detected  none  of  the  features  which  marked  his  visit 
to  Elijah,  the  Tishbite. 

Had  he  repeated  the  inquiry  of  the  olden  time,  it  would  have 
been  in  tones  of  surprise  to  find  that  he  who  had  borne  life's  burdens 
and  responsibilities  for  almost  one  fourth  of  a  century  beyond  the 
threescore  and  ten  of  mortal  probation  was  still  bearing  the  load. 
Had  he  been  overlooked?  Could  he  have  been  forgotten?  What 
doest  thou  here,  Elijah,  when  thine  earthly  work  is  done  and  done 
gloriously?  What  doest  thou  here,  Elijah,  when  grace  divine  has 
made  thee  meet  for  the  inheritance  of  the  saints  in  light? 

What  doest  thou  here,  Elijah,  when  fitted  for  thy  coronation? 
It  is  enough,  good  and  faithful  servant.  Well  done  and  welcome. 
Come  up  higher  and  be  forever  with  thy  Lord. 

But  it  is  also  noteworthy  that  when  God  sent  the  fiery  chariot  to 
bear  Elijah  from  his  work  to  his  rest,  so  profound  was  Elisha's  sense 
of  the  great  loss  he  had  sustained  in  the  removal  of  his  Leader, 
Teacher,  and  Friend,  that  instead  of  attempting  any  analysis  of  his 
character  or  rehearsing  the  exploits  of  his  life,  he  simply  cried  out 
in  deepest  anguish  of  spirit,  "My  father,  my  father,  the  chariot  of 
Israel  and  the  horsemen  thereof. ' ' 

Realizing  that  greater  than  all  spoken  grief  is  that  which  is  un- 


i6o  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

spoken  because  unspeakable,  realizing  that  words  cannot  adequately 
portray  the  deepest  and  tenderest  emotions  of  the  heart,  Elisha 
regarded  and  accepted  silence  as  the  most  befitting  expression  of  his 
grief.  Imitating  his  example  we  attempt  no  high-sounding  eulogium, 
Dr.  Stoddard  does  not  need  it.  His  life  is  his  best  eulogy.  We 
pronounce  no  measured  panegyric.  He  would  not  like  it,  and  as 
for  anything  savoring  of  fulsome  adulation,  he  would  despise  it. 
He  is  the  last  man  whom  I  would  canonize  simply  because  he  is 
dead.  Yes,  dead  to  all  earthly  relations  and  obligations. 

Without  fear  and  misgiving  our  venerable  father  met  the  great 
certitude  of  human  life,  confronting  the  recognized  fact,  "it  is 
appointed  unto  man  once  to  die." 

It  is  useless  to  raise  the  question  as  to  whether  God  might  not 
have  ordained  a  system  which  should  be  free  from  pain  and  sickness 
and  sorrow  and  death. 

Futile  has  been  the  endeavor  of  the  seers  and  sages  of  the  past 
and  present  to  solve  that  great  problem  of  the  ages :  Is  the  tomb  the 
final  terminal?  Does  death  end  all? 

Upon  the  basis  of  analogy  and  responsive  to  the  deepest  protests 
of  our  instincts,  human  wisdom  has  pronounced  it  "possible,"  even 
"probable, "  that  man  may  live  beyond  the  grave. 

But  these  same  instincts  cry  out  for  something  more  substantial 
than  a  mere  possibility  or  probability,  where  such  vital  interests  are 
involved. 

This  great  problem  must  have  remained  a  sealed  mystery,  had 
there  not  stood  at  the  center  of  human  history  a  unique  man 
proclaiming,  "I  am  the  Resurrection  and  the  Life.  He  that 
believeth  in  me,  though  he  were  dead,  yet  shall  he  live.  And  who- 
soever liveth  and  believeth  in  me  shall  never  die. " 

It  was  his  simple  faith  and  trust  in  a  Crucified,  Risen,  Regnant 
Redeemer,  that  made  Dr.  Stoddard  the  man  he  was  and  can  make 
each  of  us,  if,  like  him,  we  are  supremely  jealous  for  the  glory  of  God. 

This  was  the  formative,  dynamic  power  in  his  life;  it  was  the 


MEMORIES  OF  THE  EVENTFUL  SABBATH  161 

burden  of  his  love  as  he  confronted  death,  which  for  him  had  no  sting, 
and  over  whom  the  grave  achieved  no  victory. 

He  is  dead,  but  still  lives.  Lives  in  the  grateful  memories  of  all 
who  knew  him. 

We  recall  the  man  of  childlike  simplicity,  of  marked  unselfish- 
ness, of  deepest  piety.  While  endowed  with  those  elements  which 
go  to  make  up  the  strong  man,  yet  these  were  ever  softened  and 
sanctified  by  his  singular  gentleness  and  his  winning  tenderness. 

Very  appropriately,  we  have  brought  the  veteran  Pastor  back 
once  more  to  this  the  place  of  his  toils,  trials,  and  triumphs,  but  only 
to  bear  him  hence  to  his  last  long  resting-place. 

Never  again  shall  we  see  that  patriarchal  form  in  this  sacred  desk. 
Never  again  will  that  well-known  voice  arouse  the  slumbering  echoes 
of  this  house  of  God.  Never  again  will  he  administer  the  baptismal 
rite  or  dispense  the  emblems  of  the  broken  body  and  the  shed  blood. 

His  life-work  is  done  and  well  done.  He  comes  to  his  grave 
approved  alike  by  God  and  by  man,  without  a  stain  on  his  character 
or  a  spot  on  his  reputation.  Like  Enoch  of  old,  he  walked  with  God 
and  is  not  with  us,  because  God  has  taken  him.  Life's  labors  over, 
he  sleeps  in  Jesus,  and  we  shall  see  him  again,  only  when  this  mortal 
shall  have  put  on  immortality. 

Could  he  speak  once  more,  his  charge  to  us  would  doubtless  be, 
"  Remember  the  words  which  I  spake  unto  you  while  I  was  yet  with 
you."  In  the  presence  of  the  dead,  let  each  ask  himself,  Am  I 
remembering?  Am  I  living  the  life  in  the  flesh  by  the  faith  of  the 
Son  of  God?  Am  I  striving  to  glorify,  in  body  and  spirit,  that  Son 
of  God  whose  atoning  sacrifice  for  sin  it  was  his  joy  to  make  known 
tome?" 

Though  we  may  not  speak  his  worth  or  overestimate  our  loss, 
we  may  imitate  his  example,  and  by  so  doing  enshrine  among  our 
dearest  earthly  memories  and  help  perpetuate  the  name,  the  work, 
and  the  worth  of  that  honored  servant  of  Christ  who  entered  into 
rest  in  the  ninety-fourth  year  of  his  age,  after  a  service  of  sixty-one 


162  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

years  in  the  ministry  and  in  the  fiftieth  year  of  his  pastorate  of  this 
church, — the  name  of  Elijah  Woodward  Stoddard. 

A  MEMORY  ITEM  OF  THE  MOST  APPROPRIATE  AND 
TOUCHING  ADDRESS  OF  DR.  CHARLES  A.  STODDARD 

I  want  to  say  a  few  words  concerning  my  kinsman.  The  name 
of  Stoddard  has  had  an  honorable  history  in  the  annals  of  the  Chris- 
tian ministry.  This  tradition  established  by  such  men  as  Solomon 
Stoddard  in  New  England,  was  worthily  maintained  by  Elijah  W. 
Stoddard.  Though  there  is  none  good  save  God,  yet,  humanly 
speaking,  Dr.  Stoddard  was  without  blemish.  He  was  gathered 
to  his  fathers  with  no  blot  on  his  escutcheon. 

Some  lines  in  memory  of  Rev.  Dr.  E.  W.  Stoddard  of  Succasunna, 
New  Jersey,  by  one  who  was  his  colleague  in  the  ministry  from  1857 
to  1860,  and  a  yoke-fellow  in  Christian  service  through  more  than 
fifty-six  years. 

O  comrade  in  the  bannered  line 

Of  Christ  our  Leader,  King; 
At  last  the  victory  is  thine; 

The  palms  of  triumph  swing! 

The  end  is  reached,  the  end  of  road 

Trod  long  by  toiling  feet ; 
With  joy  the  pilgrim  drops  his  load; 

God's  watchman  comes  from  beat ! 

A  golden  sheaf  of  ripened  grain 

That  waved  in  summer  air, 
Is  born  from  field  on  harvest  wain 

To  find  the  garner's  care. 


MEMORIES  OF  THE  EVENTFUL  SABBATH  163 

O  brother  mine,  how  early  days 

Around  me  surge  and  sweep ! 
What  echoes  sweet  of  old-time  lays 

Across  the  distance  leap ! 

How  oft  our  feet  together  trod 

The  hallowed  place  of  prayer ! 
How  oft  our  eyes  looked  up  to  God 

And  found  his  blessing  there ! 

And  now  we  toilers  part  a  while, 

One  with  his  Lord  to  dwell ; 
One  here  below  to  wait  in  file ; 

Farewell!  a  short  farewell! 

O  flock  of  God  this  shepherd  led 

Through  half  a  hundred  years, 
Take  up  this  autumn  day  your  dead 

While  fall  the"  dimming  tears, — 

In  shadow  of  the  old  church  walls 

Lay  down  this  hoary  head, 
Till  trump  of  God  the  sleeper  calls 

And  stirs  the  narrow  bed. 

Then  back  to  service  bravely  go 

With  quickened  heart  and  hand, 
The  soul  alert,  the  face  aglow, 

The  Master's  loyal  band ! 

T.  E.  VASSAR. 
Elizabeth,  N.  J.,  November  2,  1913. 


164  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

Selections  from  the  most  interesting  and  appropriate  sermon  deliv- 
ered by  the  Rev.  R.  E.  Zeigler,  on  Sabbath  evening,  November  2, 1913. 

THE  REMARKABLE  LIFE  AND  MINISTRY  OF   THE 
BELOVED   PASTOR  OF  FIFTY  YEARS 

FIRST, — Dr.  Stoddard  was  a  good  man.  He  was  gathered  to 
his  fathers  with  no  blot  on  his  escutcheon.  A  man  in  whom  there 
was  no  guile.  His  life  was  hid  with  Christ  in  God. 

There  are  those  who  imagine  that  uprightness  of  life  is  a  trifle 
compared  to  more  pretentious  gifts.  They  excuse  from  indiscretions 
one  they  term  a  genius.  In  the  familiar  incident  of  the  young  man 
who  came  to  ask  what  good  thing  he  could  do  to  inherit  eternal  life, 
the  answer  was,  "There  is  none  good  but  God." 

It  is  not  power  or  wisdom,  but  eternal  goodness,  that  is  the 
characteristic  glory  of  God.  That  which  is  first  with  the  Almighty 
ought  to  be  first  in  the  estimation  of  men.  No  natural  ability,  no 
amount  of  culture,  no  attainments,  are  to  be  weighed  against  good- 
ness. Blessed  is  the  man  whose  biography  can  be  written  in  that 
brief  eulogy  of  Barnabas,  "  He  was  a  good  man  and  full  of  the  Holy 
Ghost  and  of  faith. " 

The  Bible  says  that  God  made  man  in  his  own  image  and  that 
man  defaced  the  image  by  his  sin.  Yet  in  every  generation  there 
are  men  in  whom  we  see  the  brightness  of  the  Divine. 

They  shine  as  lights  in  the  world.     Such  a  man  was  Dr.  Stoddard. 

The  springs  of  his  piety  were  not  far  to  seek.  Talking  to  God 
and  listening  to  God  were  his  daily  meat  and  drink.  The  Holy 
Scriptures  were  his  dwelling-place  all  his  life  long.  He  was  a  past- 
master  in  the  difficult  and  divine  art  of  conversing  with  God,  because 
the  Master  taught  him  to  pray. 

Any  one  who  has  had  the  privilege  of  being  a  guest  at  his  house, 
will  never  forget  the  morning  and  evening  prayers.  In  that  deep- 
toned  and  mellow  voice,  which  withstood  the  weakening  of  age,  the 
Doctor  invoked  Him  whom  he  was  wont  to  style,  "The  God  of  the 


MEMORIES  OF  THE  EVENTFUL  SABBATH  165 

morning  and  the  evening."  He  never  failed  to  include  in  these 
prayers  special  petitions  for  the  sick  and  the  sorrowing.  On  Satur- 
day evenings  his  petitions  were  full  of  solicitude  for  the  Sabbath  and 
its  work.  It  was  a  benediction  to  hear  him  pray. 

His  pulpit  prayers  were  marvels  of  that  simplicity  and  compre- 
hensiveness which  must  ever  characterize  the  speech  of  man  with  his 
Maker.  Faith  and  obedience  were  the  outcome  of  a  daily  walk  with 
God. 

SECOND, — Dr.  Stoddard  was  a  truly  great  pastor.  He  had 
mastered  the  art  of  shepherding  the  flock.  His  example  will  be  a 
perennial  inspiration  to  all  the  ministers  who  were  associated  in  any 
way  with  this  pastor,  who  shared  with  his  Lord  the  supreme  love 
for  the  sheep  and  the  lambs  of  the  fold. 

Our  Saviour  said,  "For  this  cause  came  I  into  the  world,  to  lay 
down  my  life  for  the  sheep. "  "As  the  Father  hath  sent  me,  so  send 
I  you. "  And  what  was  first  with  the  Good  Shepherd  must  be  first 
with  the  pastors  to  whom  are  entrusted  the  flock  of  God. 

The  question  is  sometimes  asked,  Who  is  greater  in  the  kingdom 
of  God,  the  pastor  or  the  preacher? 

A  generation  of  great  preachers  is  greatly  to  be  desired,  but  the 
sermon  is  the  overflow  of  the  preacher's  soul,  and  there  is  nothing 
which  more  inspires  thought  and  prepares  a  quickened  intellect  to 
select  an  appropriate  message  for  the  Sabbath,  than  the  everyday 
intercourse  with  men  in  all  the  associations  of  life,  and  under  all  the 
varied  experiences  of  joy  and  of  sorrow. 

Therefore  the  pastor  and  the  preacher  are  mutually  helpful. 
They  cannot  be  separated.  A  good  minister  of  Jesus  Christ  is  a 
good  shepherd.  Such  an  one  was  Dr.  Stoddard  throughout  his 
long  life.  He  never  forgot  the  words  of  Peter: — "Feed  the  flock 
of  God  which  is  among  you."  He  ever  studied  to  show  himself 
approved  unto  the  Good  Shepherd,  and  when,  after  sixty-one  years 
of  service,  he  fell  asleep,  men  recalled  the  words  of  the  apostle: 
"And  when  the  chief  Shepherd  shall  be  manifested,  ye  shall  receive 
the  crown  of  glory  which  fadeth  not  away. " 


1 66  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

THIRD, — Dr.  Stoddard  was  a  gift  of  God — not  only  to  this  church 
and  community,  but  to  the  cause  of  Christianity.  He  was  a  stalwart 
defender  of  the  faith.  His  was  that  highest  apologetic,  the  apologetic 
of  faithful  service. 

One  will  never  be  able  to  compute  the  value  of  services  rendered 
the  Christian  faith  by  those  ministers  who  have  been  content  to 
labor  in  quiet  country  parishes,  whose  great  gifts  have  been  bestowed 
on  rural  churches,  and  who  have  redeemed  many  a  village  from 
oblivion  by  their  self-sacrificing  labors. 

The  pages  of  ecclesiastical  history  have  records  of  many  such 
pastors,  whose  influence  extended  far  beyond  the  circle  of  immediate 
labor.  In  this  Apostolic  succession  Dr.  Stoddard  had,  and  will 
always  have,  a  worthy  place. 

The  manse  and  church  of  Succasunna  will  be  fragrant  forever  in 
many  hearts  because  of  its  association  with  the  ministry  of  Dr. 
Elijah  Woodward  Stoddard. 

No  one  who  ever  saw  Dr.  Stoddard  will  ever  forget  him.  Those 
who  knew  him  will  always  be  glad  that  their  path  crossed  his  path. 

His  monument  is  in  the  great  company  to  whom  he  was  a  Father 
and  a  Guide. 

The  children  on  whom  he  laid  his  hands  in  baptism,  the  young 
men  and  women  who  were  joined  in  marriage  by  his  sweetly  intoned 
service,  the  ministers  of  the  Gospel  who  counted  him  as  brother,  and 
are  inspired  by  the  memory  of  his  Christian  life  and  ministry,  the 
households  whose  aching  hearts  he  comforted  in  times  of  supreme 
need,  and  the  young  and  old  whom  he  guided  in  the  way  everlasting, 
all  classes  and  conditions  of  his  parish,  unite  in  grateful  remembrance 
of  this  long  pastorate. 

May  we  add  one  word  to  the  bereaved,  in  the  words  of  the  mes- 
sage to  Queen  Victoria  at  the  passing  away  of  Prince  Albert, 

"May  the  love  of  all  thy  people  comfort  thee,  till  God's  love 
set  thee  at  his  side. " 


G, 


PEN   PICTURES 

These  pen  pictures  have  been  arranged  in  response  to  a  request 
for  some  of  the  tributes  that  illustrate  the  different  phases  of  char- 
acter and  periods  of  life. 

As  Dr.  Stoddard  was  at  the  time  of  his  "going  home"  the  oldest 
Alumnus  of  Amherst  College  and  of  Union  Theological  Seminary, 
New  York  City,  and  as  he  had  completed  sixty-one  years  of  active 
service,  he  was  much  honored  and  beloved,  but  it  was  his  chief  joy 
that  he  had  been  granted  the  privilege  of  entering  on  his  fiftieth 
year  in  the  pastorate  at  Succasunna,  N.  J. 

TRIBUTE    FROM    AMHERST 

"  I  shall  never  forget  the  half -century  reunion  of  the  Class  of  '49 
in  1899.  The  larger  number  are  in  the  better  country.  It  was  a 
great  privilege  to  know  Dr.  Stoddard  and  to  meet  with  him.  His 
presence  was  an  inspiration." 

FROM   DR.    FRANCIS   BROWN,   PRESIDENT   OF   UNION   SEMINARY 

"Dr.  Stoddard's  presence  with  us  has  so  often  been  a  benedic- 
tion at  the  annual  gatherings  of  the  Seminary,  and  the  knowledge 
of  the  esteem  and  deep  affection  in  which  he  has  been  held  by  the 
succeeding  generations  of  his  long  and  happy  pastorate  has  given 
us  such  peculiar  regard  for  him  that  the  news  of  his  translation 
affects  us  very  especially." 

"  A  missionary  from  Central  Africa  tells  us  that  the  Africans  say 
of  one  who  has  died,  'He  has  arrived.'  This  is  profoundly  true 
of  Dr.  Stoddard,  and,  while  our  sympathy  is  with  you,  we  rejoice 
with  him." 

167 


i68  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

FROM  A   FORMER  PASTORATE 

"What  pleasant  days  they  were.  The  well-filled  auditorium  on 
the  Sabbath  and  the  crowded  lecture-room  at  the  mid-week  service, 
the  large  and  flourishing  Sunday  school,  the  Pastor's  calls,  punctil- 
iously and  intelligently  and  spiritually  made,  and  social  amenities 
acceptably  observed,  fixed  the  remembrance  of  those  years  among 
the  cherished  memories  of  life. 

"  In  my  student  days  he  once  said  to  me,  As  in  solving  a  mathe- 
matical problem,  one  goes  step  by  step  until  the  solution  is  reached, 
so  in  the  matter  of  personal  religion  one  having  given  assent  to  the 
evangelical  fundamentals,  ought,  as  with  the  mathematical  problem, 
to  accept  fully  and  openly  the  result  of  such  demonstration." 

"Much  of  his  life  was  withdrawn  from  the  turmoil  of  near-by 
cities,  yet  not  withdrawn  from  the  atmosphere  of  the  best  culture 
and  refinement.  In  a  place  where  one  could  be  apart  from  the  world 
and  yet  a  faithful  laborer  of  the  world  he  esteemed  it  a  privilege." 

"  In  all  that  he  has  been,  and  in  all  that  he  is  now,  have  we  not 
abundant  cause  for  thanksgiving." 

FROM   HIS   PRESBYTERY 

"The  translation  of  another  Elijah  leaves  us  a  mantle  that  had 
no  stain  or  mark  of  dishonor,  as  became  a  co-worker  with  God." 

"His  wonderful  youthfulness  of  spirit,  his  unvarying  kindliness, 
his  extensive  acquaintance  and  his  devotion  to  his  work  make  his 
loss  seem  like  a  public  calamity." 

"  I  cannot  imagine  a  more  beautiful  story  than  has  been  written 
on  the  hearts  of  men  by  Dr.  Stoddard.  Everywhere  he  went  people 
were  blessed  and  helped  by  the  sweetness  and  strength  of  his  char- 
acter and  influence.  I  felt  it  the  moment  that  I  met  him  in  the 


PEN  PICTURES  169 

Morris  and  Orange  Presbytery,  over  twenty-five  years  ago,  and  I 
can  feel  now  the  reality  of  his  prayers  as  he  led  his  brethren  in  the 
devotional  service." 

"  In  very  truth  could  it  be  said  of  him  that  his  life  pathway  bright- 
ened and  shone  more  and  more  until  he  came  to  the  perfect  day  and 
the  awakening  into  the  fullest  life  above." 

"To  some  of  us  who  in  our  young  manhood  felt  the  influence  of 
his  life  he  has  meant  much  and  I  am  happy  to  think  that  no  one  on 
earth  can  ever  estimate  the  value  of  such  an  influence.  It  is 
unending  and  limitless.  I  shall  always  think  of  Dr.  Stoddard  with 
thanksgiving." 

"  I  felt  it  a  great  honor  to  know  Dr.  Stoddard.  What  a  record  in 
the  completed  volume  of  a  beautiful  character  gone  to  its  fulfilment ! 
A  long  life  of  service  has  been  crowned." 

"  Dr.  Stoddard  was  an  inspiration  to  all  of  the  younger  men  in  the 
Presbytery.  The  fragrance  of  his  ministry  will  linger  with  us  until 
we  renew  our  friendship  in  the  Father's  house." 

"One  of  God's  good  men — the  salt  of  the  earth  has  been  taken 
and  life  is  greatly  impoverished.  I  am  glad  that  I  knew  him  and 
knew  him  so  well  and  I  wish  that  all  of  us  had  more  of  his  spirit. 
The  God  who  has  guided  his  steps  through  his  long  pilgrimage  will 
abundantly  comfort  in  the  hour  of  sorrow." 

"  For  the  long  life  filled  with  the  gracious  influence  of  the  indwell- 
ing Christ,  we  have  reason  to  be  grateful  and  to  rejoice  in  his  joy, 
as  absent  from  the  body  he  is  present  with  the  Lord." 

"Dr.  Stoddard's  was  indeed  a  remarkable  life,  not  only  in  its 
unusual  length  of  active  service,  but  also  in  its  rare  tenderness  and 
beauty." 


170  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

"  I  do  want  to  express  the  sentiments  of  reverence  and  admiration 
for  Dr.  Stoddard  I  have  felt  always,  from  the  first  moment  I  ever 
saw  him.  He  was  to  me  in  the  flesh,  what  Abraham  has  been  to  my 
mind  and  imagination — Patriarchal  in  form  and  bearing — the  Man 
of  Faith.  He  believed  God  and  it  was  accounted  unto  him  for 
righteousness.  Thinking  of  what  he  was,  one  may  sense  the  degree 
of  your  earthly  loss." 

''We  held  our  venerable  Brother  in  the  highest  respect.  None 
knew  him  but  to  love  him.  Surely  his  was  a  splendid  witness,  a 
long  course,  an  achieved  victory." 

"I  would  bear  testimony  to  the  warm  Christian  life  and  the 
faithful  ministry  of  the  Patriarch  of  the  Presbytery." 

"The   righteous   shall   be   held   in   everlasting   remembrance." 
"  He  that  doeth  the  will  of  God  abideth  forever. " 

"  How  of  ten  his  words  were  an  inspiration  as  has  been  his  life  ever 
since  I  knew  him." 

"He  will  be  sorely  missed,  but  his  life  and  preaching  have  been 
engraved  upon  the  hearts  of  men  and  such  a  life  is  imperishable. 

"As  a  Brother  Pastor  of  earlier  days  it  is  pleasant  to  remember 
that  never  a  shadow  of  misunderstanding  fell  across  our  intimacies." 

"  At  the  meeting  of  the  Presbytery  of  Morris  and  Orange,  in  Jan- 
uary, 1914,  Dr.  Halloway  was  appointed  to  prepare  a  memorial  of 
Dr.  Stoddard.  On  February  eighth,  Dr.  Halloway  was  called  to 
the  General  Assembly  of  the  first-born  in  Heaven,  and  the  message 
of  his  brethren  was  delivered  in  person. 

"At  the  April  meeting  of  the  Presbytery  some  one  else  will  be 
delegated  to  write  the  word  of  appreciation  for  the  church  and  the 
household  on  this  side  of  the  river." 


PEN  PICTURES  171 

"His  character  is  his  monument;  his  life,  his  testimonial.  He 
lived  to  make  the  world  better;  his  influence  will  remain  to  inspire 
those  who  take  up  the  work  which  he  has  laid  down." 

"One  of  the  many  who  feel  that  their  lives  have  been  benefited 
by  the  gracious  uplifting  influence  of  the  dear  pastor  and  friend." 

"  He  lived  a  life  of  love — love  for  the  church,  for  the  Sunday-school 
— love  for  everybody.  His  sympathy  and  charity  were  for  those  in 
all  the  walks  of  life." 

"What  a  benediction  that  life  is  to  me!  The  embodiment  of 
kindness  and  goodness." 

"  Life  has  been  rich  in  friendships,  and  high  above  them  all  stands 
my  acquaintance  with  the  Pastor  of  Succasunna." 

"May  his  high  and  unselfish  life  lead  us  to  a  more  faithful  per- 
formance of  our  humble  duties  and  to  an  unshaken  faith  in  the  ideals 
of  the  great  Teacher." 

"He  was  in  my  regard  the  most  truly  good,  the  most  saintly 
human  being  I  ever  knew.  We  had  reason  to  know  him  intimately, 
and  we  watched  the  every-day  patience  and  wisdom  with  which  he 
met  trials,  doing  good  to  all,  sometimes  to  the  unthankful  and 
the  evil. 

"I  heard  his  first  public  sermon  in  Dr.  Asa  D.  Smith's  church  in 
New  York,  '  and  the  people  gladly  received  Him  for  they  were  wait- 
ing for  Him.'  ' 

"  It  puzzles  me  to  think  of  the  church  and  the  individual  lives  of 
the  dear  little  village  without  the  saintly  benediction  of  his  presence 
— but  his  life  has  entered  into  the  life  of  the  community  that  he 
served  for  half  a  century." 


172  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

"He  is  always  associated  with  my  earliest  religious  impressions 
and  aspirations." 

"He  will  always  live  in  the  hearts  of  those  he  left  behind.  It  will 
always  be  a  potent  factor  in  the  development  of  the  highest  type  of 
life.  Wherever  he  went  the  people  loved  him,  and  that  helped  to 
make  life  a  success  and  to  endow  the  community  with  the  priceless 
legacy  of  a  Christian  character." 

"After  turning  over  in  my  mind  the  many  sides  of  Dr.  Stoddard's 
influence  and  usefulness  I  have  been  brought  to  realize  that  no 
memory  of  his  gracious  personality  and  his  zealous  work  for  the 
Master  will  ever  be  lost.  I  am  glad  that  the  sunset  added  beauty 
and  glory  to  the  long,  beautiful  life,  and  so  He  giveth  His  beloved 
sleep  until  the  memory  breaks  and  the  shadows  flee  away.  Assuredly 
Dr.  Stoddard  was  one  of  the  beloved  not  only  to  those  privileged  to 
know  him — but  to  the  Master  whom  he  so  loyally  and  faithfully 
served.  It  was  a  blessing  to  anyone  to  have  known  him,  and  his 
memory  will  be  cherished  and  his  work  go  on  and  on  and  on  through 
the  lives  he  has  inspired  to  the  highest  service." 

"Life's  work  well  done, 
Life's  race  well  run, 
Life's  crown  well  won, 
Then  comes  the  rest." 

"  Dr.  Stoddard  possessed  the  qualities  which  are  requisite  for  the 
highest  function  of  a  Christian  minister:  great  faculty  of  sympathy; 
a  mind  masculine  in  its  power,  feminine  in  its  tenderness ;  humility ; 
wisdom  to  direct;  that  knowledge  of  the  world  which  Christ  calls 
the  wisdom  of  the  serpent,  and  that  knowledge  of  evil  which  comes 
from  repulsion  from  it  rather  than  from  personal  contact  with  it; 
and  whole-hearted  consecration  to  God,  the  Church,  and  fellowmen." 


PEN  PICTURES  173 

FROM   YOUNG  MINISTERS  ASSOCIATED  IN  THE  LAST   FEW  YEARS 

"  How  glad  I  am  that  at  the  very  beginning  of  my  own  ministry 
it  was  my  favored  lot  to  sit  at  his  feet  and  learn  of  him.  Anyone 
who  has  had  the  privilege  of  being  a  guest  in  the  parsonage  at 
Succasunna  will  never  forget  the  morning  and  evening  prayer. 

"In  that  deep,  mellow  voice,  which  withstood  the  weakenings 
of  age,  the  Doctor  invoked  Him  whom  he  was  wont  to  style  'The 
God  of  the  morning  and  the  evening.'  He  was  a  past  master  in  the 
divine  art  of  conversing  with  God  because  he  walked  so  close  to  God 
at  every  step  of  the  way." 

"Can  we  wonder  that  he  was  truly  a  great  Pastor? 

"  In  shepherding  the  flock  he  studied  every  need  of  the  hours  of 
sunshine  and  of  shadow.  He  was  especially  watchful  over  the  lambs, 
associating  himself  in  every  way  with  their  interests. 

' '  He  was  a  stalwart  Defender  of  the  Faith,  and  the  name  of  Succa- 
sunna will  be  fragrant  forever  in  many  hearts  because  of  its  associa- 
tion with  the  Apostolic  ministry  of  Dr.  Stoddard. 

"Throughout  life  I  shall  esteem  it  a  unique  personal  privilege 
to  have  known  a  man  who  had  served  so  long  and  so  efficiently  in 
Christian  work. 

"Few  pastors  have  succeeded  in  impressing  their  personality  on 
the  character  of  a  congregation  so  indelibly  as  Dr.  Stoddard.  My 
estimate  of  him  will  always  be  in  the  superlative. 

"  Truly  a  great  man  has  fallen ;  my  prayer  is,  Lord,  let  his  mantle 
fall  on  me." 

"  I  came  out  from  Union  Seminary  twice  to  preach  for  Dr.  Stod- 
dard. I  have  always  remembered  his  fatherly  nature.  In  his 
patriarchal  appearance  he  always  reminded  me  of  Abraham." 

"A  triumphant  entry  into  a  larger  life  for  him — an  unspeakable 
loss  to  us  and  to  the  church." 


174  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

"  I  regret  that  I  could  not  be  present  with  the  multitude  to  express 
by  my  presence  something  of  the  feeling  of  benediction  that  came 
to  me  in  the  high  privilege  of  sitting  in  the  pulpit  with  him  and 
speaking  to  his  people  when,  had  his  strength  been  sufficient,  he 
could  have  done  it  so  much  better.  But  the  largest  multitude  is  a 
small  representation  of  the  great  host  who  in  the  long  lifetime  were 
blessed  by  his  service,  and  I  belong  to  that  great  majority  who  were 
detained  by  distance  and  duty  from  paying  our  tribute  of  love." 

"  It  is  most  difficult  to  express  what  Dr.  Stoddard's  life  meant  to 
others." 

"My  heart  will  always  be  filled  with  gratitude  to  God  that  I 
knew  him, — pure,  sweet,  stalwart  soul, — an  inspiration  in  its  con- 
stant witness  to  the  power  and  love  of  God." 

"  He  has  left  enough  of  his  spirit  with  the  parish  to  strengthen  the 
faith  of  those  who  must  carry  on  the  work." 

"  It  helps  me  to  know  that  he  was  interested  in  my  work.  It 
helps  me  to  solve  Missionary  problems  to  remember  that  the  work 
is  one  on  earth  and  in  Heaven,  and  the  parting  is  a  physical  one  only 
— for,  spiritually,  we  are  one  in  seeking  the  glory  of  God." 

"  I  never  felt  to  such  an  extent  the  powerlessness  of  what  we  call 
death  to  separate  us  from  those  who  were  and  are  workers  together 
with  God." 

MEMORIES  OF  THE   SUMMER  OF   1908 

"  It  was  in  the  spring  of  1908  that  I  made  my  first  visit  to  Succa- 
sunna. 

"After  I  had  made  several  visits,  the  Doctor  asked  me  if  I  would 
assist  him  during  the  summer.  One  other  call  came  to  me,  but  I 


PEN  PICTURES  175 

can  never  be  thankful  enough  that  I  decided  to  spend  the  summer 
in  Succasunna. 

"It  was  my  first  work  out  of  the  seminary,  and  never  could  one 
have  been  introduced  to  his  work  under  a  better  guide.  The  Doctor 
was  a  whole  seminary  course  in  himself.  He  was  a  great  and  good 
shepherd  of  the  sheep.  One  could  not  be  with  him  without  drinking 
in  a  new  estimate  of  the  greatness  and  the  glory  of  the  ministry. 
It  was  nothing  less  than  a  divine  providence  that  brought  me  under 
his  influence. 

"How  well  I  recall  the  family  prayers, — the  deep-toned  voice  in 
which  the  household,  the  parish,  and  the  world  were  commended  to 
God.  How  well  I  remember  the  many  rides  we  had  together,  the 
prayers  which  the  Doctor  offered  in  the  homes  of  the  sick,  the 
kindly  words  to  those  we  met.  Above  all  I  remember  his  surpassing 
kindness  to  me. 

"The  unvarying  youthfulness  of  Dr.  Stoddard  was  a  source  of 
perpetual  surprise.  When  in  his  company  I  was  never  appalled  by 
the  difference  in  our  ages.  He  could  take  a  young  man's  point  of 
view.  He  could  see  life  through  a  young  man's  eyes.  Age  had  not 
withered  his  youthful  spirit.  In  a  company  of  young  people  he 
was  in  sympathy  with  the  youngest. 

"As  to  myself,  he  gave  a  few  simple  directions,  and  allowed  me 
to  choose  my  own  paths.  Such  trustfulness  could  not  but  win  a 
young  man's  deepest  appreciation. 

"  Not  a  few  young  men  now  scattered  throughout  the  world  have 
had  also  the  inestimable  privilege  of  association  with  the  Doctor. 

"Every  one  of  them  will  thank  God  to  the  end  of  his  days  that  he 
was  introduced  to  the  work  of  the  Christian  ministry  by  such  a  rare 
and  radiant  soul  as  Dr.  Stoddard." 


176  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

A  FEW  REPRESENTATIVE  TRIBUTES  FROM  THE  CO- 
WORKERS  IN  THE  PASTORATE   OF  FIFTY  YEARS. 

KENVIL,  N.  J.,  Jan.  27,  1914. 
DEAR  MRS.  STODDARD: 

We  mourn  for  Dr.  Stoddard,  and  feel  that  in  his  death  the  Church, 
the  community,  and  we  ourselves  have  suffered  a  great  loss. 

We  realize  that  we  have  been  favored  by  Divine  Providence  in 
having  had  for  many  years  the  benefit  of  the  services  and  prayers 
of  this  righteous  man. 

That  we  may  now  so  regulate  our  lives  as  to  meet  him  in  the 
great  beyond,  is  our  earnest  prayer. 

Yours  respectfully, 

D.  B.  JARDINE. 


One  of  the  official  members  of  the  church,  in  referring  to  the 
impression  made  by  a  sermon  of  Dr.  Stoddard's,  thirty  years  ago, 
said  that  on  one  Sabbath,  the  illustration  of  the  need  of  being  rooted 
and  grounded  in  our  faith  was  taken  from  the  effect  of  a  storm  upon 
the  trees  bordering  our  streets,  or  growing  in  the  forest. 

With  the  accuracy  to  nature  that  appealed  to  our  every  day 
experiences,  the  Doctor  outlined  the  scene  of  gathering  clouds  and 
sweeping  wind  and  pelting  storm,  under  which  the  stalwart  oak  stood 
firm,  while  the  trees  whose  roots  had  not  laid  hold  upon  the  strength  of 
the  earth,  were  swayed  to  and  fro,  and  many  of  them  marked  the 
path  of  the  storm  as  they  lay  prostrate  on  the  ground,  awaiting  the 
woodman's  ax. 

The  narrator  said,  "I  could  not  help  seeing  the  tear-drop  in  the 
eye  and  on  the  cheek,  that  told  of  the  deep  emotion  of  a  strong  young 
man  sitting  near  me,  as  the  tender,  earnest  voice  of  the  speaker  drew 
the  lesson  and  made  its  plea  to  the  reason  and  to  the  heart. 

"The  impression  of  that  hour  has  remained  with  many  to  this 


PEN  PICTURES  177 

day,  building  up  character  for  service  in  the  church  and  in  the 
community." 

w.  c.  s. 

"I  often  think  of  you,  and  so  frequently  as  I  look  back  have  I 
remembered  the  guidance  and  original  moulding  of  character  and 
religious  training  which  I  received  at  the  hand  of  Dr.  Stoddard. " 

"One  of  the  'elect  women'  of  the  church,  a  lifelong  member  of 
the  community,  said,  in  speaking  of  her  pastor,  'One  of  the  distin- 
guishing characteristics  of  Dr.  Stoddard  was  his  purity  of  thought 
and  life.'  'To  the  pure  all  things  are  pure,'  was  eminently  true  of 
the  man  who  was  so  much  like  his  Master  that  it  can  be  truthfully 
said,  '  In  him  there  was  no  guile.' 

"  Never  was  a  disparaging  word  spoken  nor  allowed  to  be  repeated. 
'He  hoped  all  things,  believed  all  things'  that  were  of  good  report. 
And  the  lines  must  have  been  written  on  his  countenance,  as  a 
stranger  to  whom  he  came  with  a  message  in  New  York  City,  forty 
years  ago,  said,  '  I  beheld  the  face  of  an  angel.' " 

' '  His  kindly  devotion  to  every  member  of  his  congregation  and  his 
constant  cheerfulness  have  left  beautiful  memories. 

"From  my  childhood,  when  asked  who  my  pastor  was,  I  have 
always  been  so  happy  to  reply,  'Dr.  Stoddard,  of  Succasunna.' 
I  feel  it  a  great  blessing  to  have  been  counted  one  of  his  children. 
I  very  often  attended  the  large  churches  in  New  York  City,  but  to 
me  no  preacher  seemed  so  great  as  dear  Dr.  Stoddard,  and  I  would 
wish  that  I  might  be  where  I  could  hear  his  voice  and  see  him  stand- 
ing in  his  accustomed  place  in  the  church.  Without  his  presence 
I  fear  the  old  church  will  not  be  quite  the  same  to  me. " 

"To  me  a  pleasant  memory  of  the  evening  worship  was  this 
sentence  so  often  used  in  acknowledging  the  mercies  of  God; — 
'  New  in  the  morning,  fresh  in  the  evening,  repeated  every  moment.' " 


178  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

"In  Dr.  Stoddard  it  was  my  joy  always  to  see  the  common 
Christian  characteristics  raised  to  the  highest  degree  of  power.  He 
was  wholly  surrendered  to  the  spirit;  he  mastered  the  spiritual 
Word;  he  reaped  even  the  corners  of  the  wide  fields  of  religious 
thought ;  he  opened  the  iron  gates  of  difficulty  with  the  golden  key 
of  prayer;  he  tested  the  finer  possibilities  of  knowing  God's  will, 
by  a  service  which  embraced  many  kinds  of  loving  devotion  to  his 
fellowmen. 

"And  so  he  came  to  be  the  Dr.  Stoddard  I  knew, — a  man  of 
sunshine,  enthusiasm,  sympathy,  patience,  simplicity,  and  integrity 
of  faith.  What  I  always  marveled  over  was  the  finished  and  mature 
character  of  all  these  traits  in  him.  His  sunshine  had  no  drifting 
shadows  to  make  it  intermittent,  his  enthusiasm  was  not  spasmodic, 
but  continuous;  his  sympathy  knew  no  checks  through  over  strain 
or  monotony ;  his  patience  was  not  passivity,  but  the  greater  power 
to  'wait  for  the  revealing';  his  simplicity  of  faith  was  that  which 
Jesus  commended  to  Martha,  '  But  one  thing  is  needful. ' ' 

"The  fruits  of  his  earnest  work  for  so  many  years  will  assuredly  be 
an  enduring  monument  to  him.  He  was  associated  with  so  many 
of  my  early  experiences — those  experiences  which  were  most  dear  to 
me — that  his  loss  is  keenly  felt  by  me,  as  it  must  be  also  by  many, 
many  others." 

"What  some  people  would  call  affliction,  was  named  the  guidance 
of  a  Father's  hand. " 

"I  scarcely  know  how  to  select  a  single  characteristic  of  the 
pastor  whose  whole  life  seemed  so  rounded  out  and  complete  in  every 
particular.  But  as  I  think  it  over  I  am  specially  impressed  with  his 
gentle,  quiet  manner  of  dealing  with  his  people  at  all  times.  No 
matter  how  crooked  and  unruly  any  of  them  were,  he  never  scolded 
nor  found  fault,  but  quietly  led  them  back  into  line.  Then  his 
ever  ready  sympathy  with  his  flock  in  times  of  joy  or  sorrow;  never 


PEN  PICTURES  179 

too  old  to  be  interested  in  all  the  young  people  were  doing,  or  too 
young  to  enter  into  the  pleasures  of  the  older  ones. " 

"He  was  an  earnest,  faithful,  and  devoted  Christian  pastor, 
reaching  out  in  every  direction,  working  for  the  good  of  his  people. 
Amid  many  discouragements,  and  handicapped  by  illness  in  his  own 
family,  still  he  pressed  on  toward  the  mark  for  the  prize  of  the  high 
calling  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus." 

"My  memories  of  him  are  all  delightful,  and  his  teachings  of  long 
ago  have  been  an  influence  for  good  through  all  the  years. " 

"I  can  affirm  most  earnestly  that  one  had  only  to  meet  Dr. 
Stoddard  to  realize  and  appreciate  his  noble,  honored,  and  lovable 
character." 

"We  shall  so  miss  his  venerable  figure  when  we  come  home. 
But  what  a  blessed  memory  he  has  left  behind  him  in  his  well- 
rounded  life  of  well-nigh  a  century! 

"Oh,  for  a  little  talk  with  him!  Truly  we  are  all  bereaved.  He 
has  been  to  me  all  my  life  such  a  kind  true  friend.  To  fill  his  place 
is  just  impossible ;  to  fill  the  pulpit  will  be  comparatively  easy,  and 
the  young  people  can  find  a  friend  in  a  new  pastor,  but  Dr.  Stoddard 
has  been  a  father  to  most  of  us,  and  no  other  can  ever  be  the  same. 

"  He  knew  every  child  by  name  and  greeted  them  each  as  he 
passed.  His  kindly,  loving  counsel  is  always  in  my  mind.  I  feel 
now  as  if  I  have  no  one  at  all  to  whom  I  can  go  for  rest  of  mind. 
His  faith  impelled  me  to  believe ;  his  rare  good  sense  gave  me  such 
a  feeling  of  stability;  I  could  depend  upon  it. " 

"With  the  first  news  of  his  release  came  the  realization  of  how 
nearly  he  lives  in  the  hearts  of  his  people.  It  is  he  who  has  taught  us 
the  deeper  inner  truths  that  are  our  lifelong  gift  and  foundations  of 
our  being.  It  is  he  who  has  taught  us  and  explained  to  us  by  his 


i8o  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

life,  the  fundamental  truth  of  the  Fatherhood  of  God  in  so  real  a  way 
that  it  can  never  leave  us.  Mother  has  told  me  these,  saying  that 
Dr.  Stoddard  gave  her  the  knowledge  and  realization,  so  that  genera- 
tions may  well  call  him  blessed.  This,  people  will  realize  more  than 
ever. 

"  O,  dear,  blessed,  faithful,  father  and  friend, — I  cannot  believe 
that  I  shall  never  feel  his  peace  and  assurance  and  love  in  the  flesh. 
I  cannot  bear  to  think  of  any  one's  taking  up  his  work  in  the  church. 
We  must  not  grieve  for  Dr.  Stoddard.  Think  only  of  his  joy  in 
having  fought  the  good  fight  and  in  receiving  his  reward. " 

REPRESENTATIVE    TRIBUTES 

"  My  pleasantest  impressions  of  Dr.  Stoddard  are  connected  with 
his  care  of  the  lambs  of  his  flock.  My  first  recollections  are  of  his 
cordial  greetings,  to  even  the  smallest  child,  as  he  walked  through  the 
village  streets.  He  was  able  to  call  each  little  one  by  name,  and 
could  truly  be  said  to  lead  them  toward  the  'green  pastures.' 
When  driving,  he  never  failed  to  greet  each  child  with  a  wave  of  the 
hand,  which  was  always  appreciated  and  returned. 

"  He  never  forgot  his  own,  and  when  one  revisited  the  home  of  his 
childhood,  of  one  thing  he  was  sure,  Dr.  Stoddard  had  not  forgotten 
him,  and  the  welcome  he  received  from  his  pastor  was  one  of  the 
delights  of  the  home  coming.  If  Dr.  Stoddard  went  into  a  strange 
town  or  city,  his  thought  would  be,  'Are  there  any  of  my  own  here?' 
And  at  any  expense  of  time  or  trouble  he  would  hunt  them  up. 
'The  sheep  who  were  not  of  his  pasture,'  'the  stranger  within  the 
gates,'  had  just  as  cordial  a  welcome,  but  he  loved  his  own  best. 

"  One  of  my  mind  pictures  of  Dr.  Stoddard  is  as  he  conducted  the 
monthly  Sunday-School  Concert, — an  institution  which  was  very 
helpful  in  the  early  part  of  his  ministry.  The  faithful  work  in 
preparing  for  these  exercises,  and  the  hours  spent  in  getting  ready 
for  the  Christmas  celebration  are  not  forgotten.  This  was  done 


PEN  PICTURES  181 

often    through   much   discouragement.     All   his   lambs   were   not 
embryonic  angels,  but  he  had  infinite  patience. 

"  This  reminds  me  of  another  trait, — his  compassion  and  charity 
and  toleration  for  the  small  offenses  of  the  children.  He  loved  the 
sinner,  but  oh,  how  he  hated  the  sin.  I  have  a  vivid  recollection  of 
the  flash  in  his  eye  as  one  was  spoken  of  who  had  proved  himself 
unworthy.  It  was  involuntary,  for  not  one  word  of  condemnation 
passed  his  lips.  But  how  he  scorned  the  ignoble  act.  A  pure  man 
himself,  he  would  all  men  were  pure. " 

"It  is  more  than  thirty  years  since  I  first  met  my  dear  pastor. 
Dr.  Stoddard  always  seemed  like  a  father  to  me,  as  he  listened  with 
patience  and  kindliness  to  all  I  had  to  tell.  And  we  were  proud  not 
only  of  his  record  at  home,  but  of  his  reception  abroad.  The  at- 
tentions paid  him  at  all  religious  and  social  gatherings  were  so  many 
and  so  hearty  and  so  deserved. 

"  I  have  been  associated  with  him  under  many  circumstances,  in 
joy  and  sorrow,  as  a  teacher,  preacher,  and  friend  who  never  failed 
me.  A  truly  Christian  soldier  was  he. 

"  But  my  latest  remembrance,  sad,  oh,  so  sad,  because  I  realized 
the  nearness  of  the  end  of  life's  journey;  but  mingled  with  sadness 
was  gladness,  for  those  days  were  filled  with  God-given  peace,  'the 
peace  which  passeth  all  understanding,'  the  great  peace  which  is  of 
God,  gained  through  joy,  sorrow,  and  striving. 

"He  was  ready  for  the  Master's  calling.  He  still  lives;  his 
example  and  his  influence  will  never  die. 

"  The  memories  of  the  past, — how  they  crowd  in  one  after  an- 
other. The  thoughts  of  the  future, — who  can  tell  how  far-reaching? 
Would  we  had  more  such  true-hearted  Christian  gentlemen. " 

"I  could  write  pages  and  yet  not  be  able  to  express  my  feelings, 
nor  what  Dr.  Stoddard  has  been  to  me  all  my  life.  He  has  been 
like  a  dear  father  to  me  nearly  ever  since  I  can  remember.  It  was 


1 82  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STOOD ARD 

always  a  joy  to  be  in  his  presence  and  to  be  within  the  sound  of  his 
voice.     He  helped  me  in  my  Christian  life  more  than  any  other. 

"  As  a  child  it  set  me  in  a  tremble  of  delight  when  I  saw  the  familiar 
horse  and  carriage  approaching  me  on  the  street,  for  I  knew  I  should 
be  stopped  and  feel  the  warm  hand-clasp,  and  meet  the  kind  ques- 
tions with  probably  a  gentle  reference  to  things  heavenly,  which  were 
pondered  in  my  heart  until  the  next  meeting. " 

"In  thinking  of  him  I  see  him  in  many  ways.  I  remember  dis- 
tinctly how  he  used  to  caution  our  wayward  little  lips,  by  putting 
his  forefinger  to  his  lips,  and  smiling  to  us  with  his  eyes,  and  com- 
forting us  in  our  childish  troubles  by  laying  his  hand  on  our  heads, 
and  with  tender  words  soothing  our  hearts.  I  often  think  how  we 
must  have  tried  his  patience. 

"And  there  was  no  pastor  so  loving  to  his  flock  as  Dr.  Stoddard. 
I  know  as  a  child,  when  visiting  other  Sunday-schools,  I  would  think, 
'There  is  no  minister  so  dear  as  Dr.  Stoddard.'  I  shall  never  forget 
his  words  of  comfort  in  our  great  sorrow  when  our  loved  ones  were 
taken  from  us.  How  great  was  his  care  of  us  in  these  dark  lonely 
days.  It  may  be  truly  said  of  him,  '  He  gave  the  joy  of  living  to 
others.'" 

"We  can  never  forget  him  and  his  kind  fatherly  care  and 
interest  in  us  all." 

"I  shall  treasure  Dr.  Stoddard's  photograph.  It  brings  to  mind 
the  interest  he  always  displayed  in  my  spiritual  welfare  as  a  child  and 
young  woman." 

Some  greeted  him  as,  "Dear  Inspiration." 

"I  have  so  often  thought  of  the  time  when  I  accompanied  you 
and  the  Doctor  to  Boston.  How  proud  I  was  of  Dr.  Stoddard.  I 
was  happy  to  say,  '  He  is  my  pastor  and  my  dear  friend.' 


PEN  PICTURES  183 

"  I  can  see  him  now  as  he  stood,  the  center  of  admiration,  looking 
so  stately  and  so  good.  That  was  the  way  I  always  found  him,  good, 
kind,  and  lovely.  A  better  friend  one  never  had. " 

FROM    OUR    SUNDAY-SCHOOL    SUPERINTENDENT 

In  reviewing  the  past  years,  I  am  at  a  loss  to  adequately  express 
my  appreciation  of  Dr.  Stoddard,  and  what  he  did  for  me.  Never 
having  known  another  pastor,  the  period  of  my  life  covers  the  larger 
part  of  his  eventful  pastorate  in  this  community. 

My  recollection  carries  me  back  to  the  time  when  the  sessions 
of  the  Sunday-school  were  held  in  the  church,  previous  to  the  erec- 
tion of  the  Memorial  Chapel,  where  the  pastor  taught  a  large  Bible 
class.  But  it  was  within  the  last  twelve  years  in  which  I  was  more 
closely  associated  with  him — more  intimately,  during  the  last  six 
years,  when  more  actively  engaged  in  Sunday-school  work.  It  is  of 
his  work  and  deep  interest  in  the  school,  of  which  I  particularly 
desire  to  write,  because  here  was  the  work  most  dear  to  his  heart. 

Only  circumstances  beyond  his  control  ever  kept  him  from  his 
accustomed  place  in  the  Sunday-school,  where  he  always  taught  the 
Bible  class,  and  took  active  part  in  the  devotional  exercises,  giving 
inspiration  and  encouragement.  The  purity  of  his  life,  his  stainless 
character,  his  fine  intellect,  exerted  a  wonderful  influence  over  the 
young,  as  well  as  the  older  members.  He  knew  them  all  by  name 
and  was  ever  ready  with  a  kind  word  and  smile. 

Never  has  there  been  a  pastor  and  teacher  who  more  constantly 
and  consistently  taught  and  upheld  higher  ideals  to  the  members  of 
his  school  than  did  Dr.  Stoddard.  That  all  should  gain  a  thorough 
knowledge  of  the  Bible,  which  he  knew  and  loved  so  well,  was  always 
his  chief  aim.  His  supreme  object,  his  constant  prayer,  was  that  all 
of  the  members  should  find  the  Christ,  and  become  confessing  Chris- 
tians, actively  engaged  in  Christian  work. 

It  was  always  his  practice  to  include  in  the  devotional  exercises 


184  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

either  the  Ten  Commandments,  the  Beatitudes,  or  a  Psalm,  particu- 
larly the  First,  Twenty-third,  or  Nineteenth.  A  short  prayer  at  the 
close  of  the  session  was  always  followed  by  the  first,  second,  and 
tenth  verses  of  the  Fifty-first  Psalm,  and  the  Lord's  Prayer.  Many 
have  been  the  testimonies  from  those  who  have  felt  the  influence  in 
their  lives,  of  the  knowledge  thus  gained  of  these  portions  of  the 
Word. 

Another  strong  feature  at  one  time,  in  the  exercises,  was  the  sing- 
ing, led  by  the  pastor,  in  his  inimitable  voice.  Who  of  us  can  forget 
the  deep  resonant  tones,  as  he  sang  so  heartily?  Who  of  us  have  not 
been  moved  by  the  charm  of  his  voice,  which  was,  and  continued  to 
the  last,  the  wonder  of  all  who  heard  it? 

His  deep  interest  in  the  school  never  abated,  a  message  being  sent 
on  the  last  Sabbath.  During  the  months  when  he  was  unable  to  be 
present,  I  endeavored  to  keep  him  informed  concerning  the  work. 
Wise  counsel,  words  of  encouragement  and  cheer  were  always  given, 
and  one  could  but  go  away  feeling  the  influence  of  his  personality, 
and  with  a  desire  to  strive  for  the  higher  things  in  life. 

On  the  occasion  of  one  of  my  last  visits,  these  words  were  given : 
"Keep  right  on — do  not  allow  anything  to  hinder  you  in  your  work 
for  Christ." 

His  was  a  grand,  noble  life — always  a  living  example  of  what  he 
preached — in  every  sense,  a  real  pastor. 

The  value  of  such  a  life  cannot  be  estimated,  because  there  are 
no  bounds  to  its  influence,  which  will  go  on  and  on,  through  the 
coming  years.  Truly,  he  was  a  man  who  "walked  with  God." 


PEN  PICTURES  185 

FROM    THE    RECORDING    SECRETARY    OF    THE    MORRIS    CO.    SUNDAY- 
SCHOOL   ASSOCIATION — TRIBUTE   TO  REV.    DR. 
E.    W.    STODDARD 

I  cannot  close  this  volume  of  our  Minutes  without  referring  to 
the  loss  of  our  Association  in  the  call  on  October  30,  1913,  to  the 
higher  life  of  our  long-time  friend  and  co-laborer,  Dr.  E.  W.  Stoddard, 
for  fifty  years  pastor  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  at  Succasunna. 

He  was  spared  us  until  he  had  reached  his  ninety-fourth  year, 
leaving  behind  him  a  life  full  of  good  words  and  works. 

He  was  present  at  our  convention  at  New  Vernon  in  1911 ;  and 
sent  us  a  warm  greeting  when  we  assembled  at  Morristown  in  1912, 
which  was  printed  on  page  2  of  our  minutes  of  that  year.  We 
shall  miss  his  kindly  face  and  wise  counsel. 


FROM    THE    PRESIDENT  OF   CHRISTIAN  ENDEAVOR 
LOVING    MEMORIES — A    PEN    PICTURE 

A  Pen  Picture  of  Dr.  Stoddard,  did  you  say!  Ah!  what  chapters 
might  be  written  to  express  one's  thoughts;  what  volumes  might  be 
filled  to  fully  describe  the  life  and  character  of  the  man  as  I  knew 
him.  Such  a  task  is  beyond  the  ability  of  the  writer,  who  cannot 
put  all  he  feels  into  expression. 

My  first  recollection  of  Dr.  Stoddard  was  in  my  very  early  boy- 
hood, when  as  a  lad  of  seven  years  I  learned  to  look  for  visits  of  our 
then  aged  pastor,  as  he  and  "  Dolly"  made  almost  daily  visits  to  our 
house  to  plan  church  work  with  my  beloved  father. 

As  I  grew  older,  the  acquaintance  also  grew  until  I  reached  my 
thirteenth  year,  when  my  father  was  called  home  from  his  earthly 
labors. 


186  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

The  ties  of  friendship  between  my  father  and  Dr.  Stoddard  had 
been  very  close,  and  after  his  going  away  I  naturally  came  to  look 
to  Dr.  Stoddard  as  a  counsellor  and  guide,  going  to  him  for  counsel, 
and  advice,  always  being  received  with  the  same  kindly  spirit  of 
interest  and  love  that  marked  his  character  to  the  last.  On  these 
occasions  of  confidential  exchanges  he  never  lost  an  opportunity  of 
impressing  upon  me  the  importance  of  accepting  Christ  as  my  per- 
sonal Savior  in  my  youth. 

Nothing  sensational  ever  marked  these  quiet  meetings,  but  the 
gentle  kindly  advice,  the  strong  personality  of  the  man,  had  a  far 
more  powerful  effect  on  me,  finally  bringing  about  the  result  desired 
by  him. 

In  more  recent  years,  the  bond  of  friendship  between  us  grew 
more  close  by  church  work,  as  he  depended  more  on  his  young  people 
to  help  him  carry  out  his  work  here ;  whether  we  failed  or  succeeded 
is  not  for  me  to  say  at  this  time.  If  we  failed,  it  was  surely  not  for 
want  of  an  example  of  a  godly  man,  which  Providence  had  given  us. 
If  we  in  a  measure  succeeded,  it  was  only  because  of  the  influence  of 
this  same  quiet  godly  life  constantly  set  before  us  in  previous  years, 
endeavoring  to  mould  our  characters  by  the  influence  of  his  strong 
personality  and  good  example. 

When  the  end  finally  came,  I  lost  one,  who  had,  through  long 
years  of  association  in  daily  life  and  church  work,  endeared  himself 
to  me  in  many  ways,  and  it  is  my  earnest  desire  that  the  young  people 
of  this  place,  especially  the  members  of  our  Christian  Endeavor 
Society  in  which  Dr.  Stoddard  was  always  deeply  interested,  may 
profit  by  the  influence  of  this  peaceful  and  noble  life,  and  determine 
to  do  more  efficient  work  because  of  it.  If  we  have  not  profited, 
the  fault  surely  lies  with  us. 

I  have  tried,  in  my  simple  way,  to  describe  the  man  as  I  knew  him, 
to  picture  him  as  he  was,  yet  I  know  I  have  failed  to  put  all  I  feel 
into  words,  but  the  loving  memories  of  years  now  gone,  help  me  more 
than  idle  words,  or  expression  ever  can,  and  if  any  homely  sentence 


PEN  PICTURES  187 

recorded  here  is  adequate  to  form  but  a  small  portion  of  the  "Pen 
Picture, "  then  the  writer  is  content. 

Lives 

Of  great  men 

Very  often 

Imply 

Nothing,  but  worldly 

Gain. 

Many  men 

Enter  life's  struggle,  but  the  lives  of  but  few 

Men 

Or  women 

Result 

In  such  success,  as  that  of 

Elijah  W. 

Stoddard. 

Sincerely  yours, 

G.  W.  THORPE, 

Succasunna,  N.  J. 
January  20,  1914. 


A  FEW  OF   THE   MESSAGES  FROM  FRIENDS 

"  Dr.  Stoddard  has  a  gift  which  enables  him  to  unfold  his  heart 
for  the  joy  of  others." 

"  From  a  child  I  have  loved  and  admired  that  man  of  God." 

' '  Dr.  Stoddard's  life  was  a  hymn  of  praise.     What  a  blessed  thing 
to  die  thus  loved  and  honored,  and  leave  a  ministry  complete." 


1 88  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STOOD ARD 

"Dr.  Stoddard's  life  meant  so  much  to  me,  not  only  because  he 
was  the  only  pastor  I  have  ever  known,  but  also  because  he  was  so 
strong  and  secure  in  his  faith  as  a  Christian  and  so  exemplary  in 
his  life." 

"  Even  in  our  sorrow  we  almost  rejoice  because  this  saintly  ambas- 
sador of  God  has  received  the  reward  which  he  so  richly  deserved." 

"  No  labor  was  too  heavy,  for  Christ  and  the  church." 

' '  For  me  there  was  always  comfort  and  peace  in  his  voice  and  in 
the  touch  of  his  hand ;  hundreds  of  hearts  have  felt  the  blessing  of  his 
long  beautiful  life  of  service." 

"We  like  to  remember  Dr.  Stoddard  as  associated  with  the  most 
important  time  of  our  lives.  I  can  never  forget  the  impressive 
marriage  service  and  the  benediction  of  his  presence." 

"We  have  been  unusually  blessed  to  have  him  with  us  all  these 
years;  I  am  thankful  that  I  was  privileged  to  be  one  of  his  children." 

"  He  lived  such  a  beautiful  life,  he  leaves  a  large  family  to  mourn 
for  him. 

"They  must  live  up  to  the  standard  of  his  life." 

1 '  Few  will  have  more  friends  to  really  grieve  over  his  departure  and 
the  influence  of  such  a  quiet,  earnest  life  of  purpose  widens  until  it 
makes  one  glow  to  feel  that  they  have  been  within  the  circle  of  it." 

"I  am  only  one  of  myriads  that  he  has  helped  by  his  public 
ministry  and  his  home  life." 

"'Go  on  and  on  whatever  the  discouragement  may  be,'  was  the 
.message  of  his  life  of  faithfulness — that  had  a  thought  and  a  word 
and  a  kindly  act  for  everybody." 


PEN  PICTURES  189 

"It  has  been  a  benediction  to  me,  all  the  years  the  strength  of 
his  character  made  him  the  trusted  counselor  and  his  gracious 
presence  made  him  the  ideal  friend." 

"  In  the  sweet  service  that  gave  me  my  wife,  he  seemed  to  make 
life  so  beautiful — How  we  love  him!" 

"  The  love  for  Christ  and  his  work  made  every  effort  of  the  church 
in  its  varied  branches  of  interest  to  Dr.  Stoddard." 

"At  one  time  the  M.  E.  Conference  was  in  session  in  Newark. 
Dr.  Stoddard  quietly  entered  the  church  to  hear  some  of  the 
speakers.  He  was  discovered  and  led  to  the  platform  and  the 
entire  congregation  arose  in  greeting." 

"Night  after  night  in  the  special  meetings  of  the  M.  E.  Church 
in  his  own  village  he  shared  in  the  service,  always  giving  some  word 
of  the  Lord  that  might  guide  into  the  light. 

"  If  some  one  alluded  to  a  church  not  in  accord  with  our  doctrine, 
he  would  simply  say,  'Those  people  do  not  think  quite  as  we  do.' " 

"He  was  such  a  large-hearted,  pure-hearted  man,  so  progressive 
in  spirit  and  lovable  in  deed.  We  miss  him  sorely,  but  he  is  with 
Jesus,  whose  he  was,  and  whom  he  served  so  long  and  so  faithfully. " 

"What  a  splendid  and  telling  life  it  was,  and  how  it  continues, 
and  will  continue  to  live  in  the  hearts  and  lives  of  others. " 

"To  have  kept  in  service  almost  to  the  last  is  a  distinction  so  rare 
that  we  can  not  too  highly  value  it.  It  is  apt  to  be  forgotten  that 
God  set  a  special  honor  upon  long  life,  and  the  most  beautiful  thing 
in  the  world  is  ripe,  mellow,  sane  old  age. " 

"It  was  only  two  weeks  ago,  when  I  was  visiting  at  the  Union 
Seminary,  that  one  of  the  students  told  me  of  his  visits  to  Succa- 


190  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

sunna,  and  of  the  wonderful  influence  of  Dr.  Stoddard.  I  have  also 
heard  his  name  mentioned  in  different  parts  of  our  State.  His  life 
has  exerted  an  influence  far  beyond  the  bounds  of  your  little  town. " 

"There  are  so  many  thoughts  relative  to  Dr.  Stoddard's  influ- 
ence and  helpfulness.  How  thankful  I  am  that  I  was  a  scholar  in 
his  Sunday-school.  This  early  training,  together  with  that  of  later 
years,  helps  me  to  say,  'Not  by  might,  nor  by  power,  but  by  thy 
spirit.'" 

"His  character  is  his  monument.  His  life  is  his  testimonial. 
He  lived  to  make  the  world  better.  He  served  his  day  with  devotion 
and  fidelity.  His  spirit,  his  chivalry,  his  devotion,  will  remain  and 
abide  to  inspire  and  to  encourage  those  who  will  take  up  the  work 
which  he  has  laid  down." 

' '  How  many  lives  he  has  helped.  How  many  are  thinking  of  him 
now  with  reverence  and  thankfulness.  How  many  too,  doubtless, 
in  the  other  life  have  already  greeted  him  with  joy  as  the  one  who 
helped  to  bring  them  to  that  unseen  world.  I  have  known  your 
husband  only  in  his  advanced  years  but  I  am  rejoiced  to  think  how 
he  was  surrounded  with  affection.  'The  hoary  head  is  a  crown  of 
glory.'  Few  have  been  allowed  to  continue  in  their  work  so  long. " 

"Dr.  Stoddard's  portrait  will  be  preserved  by  us.  Even  a 
glance  from  it  would  point  to  the  skies." 

"  Having  known  Dr.  Stoddard  so  long  and  so  well,  his  going  away 
is  a  personal  loss.  All  who  knew  him  are  mourning." 

"Dr.  Stoddard  will  always  live  in  the  hearts  of  those  he  left 
behind." 

"  The  dear  Doctor  has  always  been  a  benediction  to  me." 


PEN  PICTURES  191 

"Ninety  years  of  life,  sixty  years  specially  devoted  to  standing 
steadfastly  pointing,  pointing  toward  the  right,  is  a  monument 
more  enduring  than  granite." 

"Just  before  I  left,  the  two,  the  man  who  had  passed  eighty-eight 
milestones,  and  the  lad  of  twenty-four,  sat  side  by  side,  the  one 
giving,  the  other  receiving  instruction  for  the  Sunday  service.  '  I 
am  sure  you  will  do  the  boy  good,'  I  said,  'and  I  hope  he  will  serve 
you  well.'  Then  the  erect  figure,  seeming  to  stand  a  little  taller, 
and  looking  at  me  steadily,  said,  'We  will  do  our  best,  and  do  you 
pray  for  us  mightily.' " 

"  There  is  scarcely  a  day  in  the  week  that  he  doesn't  have  some- 
thing going  on  to  amuse  or  interest  the  young  people  of  this  place." 

"  He  was  one  of  the  rare  men  of  the  world;  and  the  beauty  of  his 
life  will  have  an  influence  in  Succasunna — yes,  in  Syria,  and  wherever 
there  are  those  who  knew  him, — for  many  years  to  come." 

' '  To  me  Dr.  Stoddard  stood  for  everything  that  was  good  and 
holy. 

"  I  am  sure  no  minister  was  more  beloved  by  his  people  and  others. 
I  heard  a  man  say,  'If  I  had  been  brought  up  in  Dr.  Stoddard's 
church,  I  think  I  would  have  been  a  better  man.'  " 

While  Dr.  Stoddard  was  of  far  more  than  ordinary  ability  as  a 
thinker  and  a  preacher,  his  great  hold  upon  his  people  lay  in  his 
unselfish  devotion  to  their  welfare  and  in  his  purity  of  spirit  and 
purpose.  He  won  their  hearts  through  loving  service  and  genuine 
sympathy  and  compassion.  His  attitude  in  theology,  personal  life, 
and  pastoral  service  was  ever  optimistic,  cheery  and  inspirational. 

Truly  another  aged  patriarch  has  been  "gathered  to  his  people" 
without  ever  crossing  the  dreaded  "dead  line." 

A  "friend  of  God"  and  a  "father"  of  blessings  to  multitudes. 

REV.  WM.  HOPPAUGH. 


192  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

"  One  of  the  most  beautiful  qualities  of  this  one  of  God's  noblemen 
was  his  broad  Christian  sympathy  and  fellowship  which  was  not 
limited  by  creed.  It  was  always  an  inspiration  to  the  higher  life. 
He  possessed  all  the  elements  of  the  teacher  and  leader.  He  had 
sunshine  and  good  advice  for  the  children,  wisdom  and  encourage- 
ment and  an  ever  ready  helping  hand  for  the  "grown  ups,"  and  for 
all  the  benediction  of  a  beautiful  life." 

At  the  Peddie  Memorial  Church  prayer-meeting,  the  clerk  was 
authorized  to  send  the  sympathy  of  the  entire  church  to  whom  in 
former  days  he  brought  so  many  messages  of  peace  and  good  will. 

These  ninety  years ! 

Yet  it  would  seem  but  yesterday  to  thee, 
When,  as  a  toddler  at  thy  mother's  knee, 

Those  mighty  truths  were  learned ; 
Which  in  thine  after  life  thou  did'st  repeat 
To  congregations  sitting  at  thy  feet. 

But  not  alone 

The  faithful  servant  passes  to  his  rest 
In  long  eternity  amongst  the  blest ; 

A  happy  throng, 

Of  those  who  through  his  lips  the  truth  received, 
And  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  believed, 

With  joy  him  greet, 

While  others  follow  on  their  bliss  to  share ; 
And  swell  the  happy  song  of  triumph  there, 

At  Jesus'  feet. 

MARY  A.  WAY. 

He  is  not  greatest  who  is  great  in  only  one  branch  of  his  life, 
but  he  is  great  whose  life  is  symmetrical,  evenly  balanced.  Find 
such  a  man  and  he  is  the  man  God  says  he  wants.  One's  ability 
to  do  good  is  measured  by  one's  capacity  to  inspire  others. 

DR.  EDWARD  JUDSON. 


PEN  PICTURES  193 

That  pulpit  is  not  weak  which  has  in  it  a  man  with  a  prophet's 
message,  a  real  man  who  insists  that  men's  relations  to  Christ 
shall  regulate  all  their  relationships  in  life. 

REV.  THOMAS  VILLERS. 

This  is  the  truth  about  the  procession  of  life  when  life  is  related 
to  God!  "They  go  from  strength  to  strength.  Everyone  of  them 
appeareth  in  Zion  before  God!" 

REV.  G.  CAMPBELL  MORGAN,  D.D. 


THANKSGIVING 

NOVEMBER  27,    1913 

On  March  3 1st,  at  a  union  service  in  this  church,  the  Pastor's 
sermon  touched  a  chord  that  vibrates  in  this  Thanksgiving  service. 
As  it  was  among  the  last  messages  of  the  Fiftieth  year  of  his  ministry 
at  Succasunna,  the  central  thought  of  "Hosannah"  may  inspire 
this  Thanksgiving  Day. 

A  SELECTION 

It  has  been  quaintly  said  that  many  of  our  blessings  come  to  us 
in  such  commonplace  wrappings  that  we  do  not  always  open  them 
to  find  the  jewels  they  bring. 

There  are  gems  whose  price  is  above  rubies,  that  come  to  us  in 
the  everyday  wrappings  of  the  home-life,  and  sometimes  they  are 
accepted  without  a  true  appreciation  of  their  worth. 

There  are  precious  opportunities  for  service  that  come  with  the 
daily  tasks  and  they  will  enrich  life  if  we  unfold  and  appropriate. 

Let  this  Thanksgiving  Day  number  its  obligations  to  earth  and 
to  Heaven  and  prepare  for  the  great  Thanksgiving  Day  of  the  eternal 
life. 

There  is  a  bright  side  to  everything,  but  in  order  to  see  it,  we  must 
be  on  the  sunward  side  of  the  cloud.  Walking  with  God  means 
walking  on  the  sunward  side. 

THANKSGIVING,  1913 

Another  Thanksgiving  will  cluster  in  one 
The  dear  household  bands  who  are  meeting  at  home, 
Another  Thanksgiving  has  opened  the  door 
To  the  Father's  own  Presence  and  those  "gone  before." 

194 


THANKSGIVING  195 

We  sit  at  the  table,  God's  bounty  has  spread, 
For  them  our  dear  Father  has  broken  the  bread. 
We  share  in  the  fruitage  the  seasons  have  given, 
They  share  with  the  Angels  who  welcomed  to  Heaven. 

We  join  in  the  song  that  would  number  our  days 
By  the  mercies  that  follow  in  all  of  our  ways. 
They  sing  with  the  ransomed  of  blessings  untold, 
That  for  ages  to  come  will  their  richness  unfold. 

We  trust  in  the  promise,  "the  Lord  will  provide, " 
But  those  who  are  walking  so  close  to  His  side 
Can  trace  all  the  guidings,  and  know  of  the  Love 
That  is  granted  below  and  perfected  above. 

And  thus,  while  the  clouds  may  o'ershadow  the  road, 
We  commit  every  step  of  the  future  to  God, 
Well  assured  we  shall  praise  Him  when  we  too  shall  come 
To  the  Thanksgiving  Day  with  our  loved  ones  at  Home. 

E.   A.   S. 


GLEANINGS  FROM   DR.  STODDARD'S  CHRISTMAS 
MESSAGE   OF    ONE   YEAR   AGO 

As  this  is  the  Forty-ninth  Christmas-tide  that  I  have  been 
privileged  to  be  with  this  church  and  people,  I  am  glad  that  my 
message  can  be  the  same  as  that  of  nearly  half  a  century  ago. 

"We  have  seen  his  star  in  the  east  and  are  come  to  worship 
him."  Matt,  ii,  2. 

Almost  all  the  congregation  of  that  Christmas  time  have  fol- 
lowed the  Star  into  the  presence  of  the  King. 

Many  who  were  with  us  last  year  are  spending  this  Christmas 
"At  Home." 

As  I  said  to  you  on  a  Sabbath  evening,  three  weeks  ago,  my 
sister,  my  only  sister,  was  called  the  day  before  Thanksgiving. 
The  dear  Saviour  came  for  her  and  leading  her  by  the  hand  to  an 
open  door,  He  said,  "  My  daughter,  this  is  your  Home,  it  is  the  place 
prepared  for  you,  the  place  for  which  you  have  been  preparing  by 
your  earnest,  faithful  Christian  life" ;  and  passing  over  the  threshold 
she  entered  upon  the  life  everlasting. 

Let  us  remember  that  we  go  not  merely  to  the  General  Assembly 
of  the  Saints  in  Heaven,  but  we  go  to  a  place  prepared  for  our 
individual  needs  and  our  individual  work, — a  home  in  which  our 
highest  ideals  are  to  be  realized  and  every  desire  of  the  heart  find 
its  fullest  satisfaction, — a  place  for  which  we  are  being  prepared  by 
all  that  is  beautiful  and  bright  in  our  lives  and  even  by  trials  and 
difficulties.  ,. 

Joy  and  sorrow  develop,  as  sunshine  and  cloud  prepare  for  the 
harvest,  and  we  do  want  to  join  the  reapers  "bringing  in  the 
sheaves." 

196 


DR.  STODDARD'S  CHRISTMAS  MESSAGE  197 

The  Star  led  the  Wise  Men  to  the  Christ.  The  tradition  is  that 
for  a  moment  they  lost  sight  of  the  Star,  but  they  followed  the  path, 
and  coming  to  a  well  near  Bethlehem  as  they  looked  down  into  its 
depths,  they  saw  the  Star. 

Pilgrims  still  gaze  into  this  well  as  they  journey  to  Bethlehem. 
We  did  not  see  the  reflection  of  the  Star,  but  we  remembered  that 
the  Christ  of  Bethlehem  is  now  on  the  throne  as  St.  John  saw  Him 
in  Patmos — ' '  In  his  right  hand  are  seven  stars  and  the  seven  stars  are 
the  angels  of  the  seven  churches," — and  we  recognize  the  privilege  of 
the  church  of  God  to  be  a  light  in  the  world,  reflecting  the  light 
of  the  Christ  whose  glory  is  to  fill  Heaven  and  earth. 

The  wise  men  followed  the  Star.  They  brought  gifts.  What 
can  we  bring?  Our  hearts  and  our  service,  remembering  the  word 
of  the  Lord  Jesus,  "Inasmuch  as  ye  have  done  it  unto  one  of  the 
least  of  these,  my  brethren,  ye  have  done  it  unto  me. " 

At  the  creation,  "The  morning  stars  sang  together."  Job. 
xxxviii,  7. 

The  song  of  the  Angels  brought  the  glad  tidings  of  the  birth  of 
Christ.  Luke  ii,  10,  u. 

The  star  in  the  east  heralded  his  coming  and  his  errand  of  light. 
Matt,  ii,  2. 

And  the  redeemed  of  every  kindred  and  tongue  and  people 
and  nation  shall  sing  a  new  song  in  the  new  heaven  and  the  new 
earth.  Rev.  v,  9. 

"Oh,  that  with  yonder  sacred  throng 

We  at  His  feet  may  fall, 
To  sing  the  everlasting  song 
And  crown  Him  Lord  of  all." 

"They  that  be  wise  shall  shine  as  the  brightness  of  the  firmament, 
and  they  that  turn  many  to  righteousness  as  the  stars  for  ever  and 
ever."  Dan.  xii,  3. 


198  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

As  the  stars  beyond  our  sight 

In  a  ministry  of  light 
Gently  hold  us  in  our  sphere, 
Absent  loved  ones  draw  us  near 
To  their  home,  whose  gates  ajar 
Send  the  guiding  ray  afar. 

Star  by  star  on  earth  must  set, 

But  the  Heavenly,  coronet 
,   Has  one  other  cheering  ray 
For  the  shadows  of  the  way, 
Ministrations  of  that  light 
Comforting  the  weary  night. 

Thus  our  loved  with  us  abide 
In  their  influence  to  guide, 
As  the  messages  from  home 
With  their  Benedictions  come, 
Passing  on  the  Ministry 
Of  a  half  a  century. 

Thus  the  work  goes  on  and  on, 

Until  that  eternal  morn, 
When  the  angels  sing  again 
And  we  chant  the  glad  refrain, 
As  each  star  becomes  a  gem 
In  the  royal  diadem. 

E.  A.   S. 

Succasunna,  N.  J.,  Christmas,  1913. 


DR.  STODDARD'S  SERMON  OF  A  YEAR  AGO          199 

[Printed  for  the  closing  Sabbath  of  1913] 
DR.   STODDARD'S  SERMON   OF  A  YEAR  AGO 

MALACHI  iii,  10 

"Bring  ye  all  the  tithes  into  the  storehouse,  that  there  may  be  meat  in  mine  house, 
and  prove  me  now  herewith,  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts,  if  I  will  not  open  you  the  windows 
of  heaven,  and  pour  you  out  a  blessing,  that  there  shall  not  be  room  enough  to  receive 
it." 

The  same  love  that  spoke  through  the  prophet  Isaiah  in  such 
tones  of  entreaty,  "Come  now,  let  us  reason  together,"  sends  us 
this  message  by  Malachi,  "PROVE  ME  NOW."  Give  me  the  oppor- 
tunity; put  my  words  to  the  test.  Fulfil  the  conditions  of  each 
promise  and  receive  the  blessing.  At  the  opening  of  another  year 
we  have  been  called  to  look  out  upon  the  Christian  world  gathered 
around  the  throne  of  God  in  the  week  of  prayer.  The  message  has 
come  to  us  as  individuals. 

Who  knows  but  thou  art  come  to  the  Kingdom  for  such  a  time 
as  this. 

We  recognize  that  at  great  crises  in  the  history  of  mankind 
great  leaders  have  been  raised  up  to  meet  the  emergency,  but  we  do 
not  always  realize  what  the  quiet  life  that  has  brightened  the 
pathway  and  shared  the  burdens  and  left  footprints  that  were  safe 
to  follow, — what  such  lives  have  meant  to  the  world.  We  can  never 
estimate  their  power  and  their  helpfulness. 

To  all  of  us  have  come  moments  of  inspiration,  as  we  have 
listened  to  the  music  of  the  human  voice  or  of  some  instrument 
responsive  to  the  skillful  hand. 

The  voice  of  the  sweet  singer  has  been  trained,  the  instrument 
has  been  attuned  to  the  will  of  the  Master,  and  where  he  has  had  the 
fullest  control  the  most  perfect  has  been  this  response. 

We  are  told  that  Stradivarius  while  making  his  violins  associated 
his  workmanship  with  the  infinite.  He  said,  "  It  is  God  choosing  me 


200  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

to  help  Him,"  and  this  realization  of  his  relationship  to  God  in  his 
work  of  bringing  harmony  and  melody  out  of  a  perfected  instrument 
ennobled  his  daily  life. 

Our  common  days  are  associated  with  the  wonders  and  the  possi- 
bilities that  under  God's  guidance  may  elevate  and  bless  the  world. 

Would  we  make  life  a  psalm,  a  hymn  of  praise,  a  paean  of  victory, 
we  must  let  God  use  our  every  power  of  thought  and  submit  our 
wills  to  His  will.  We  must  give  Him  the  fullest  opportunity  to  use 
all  that  we  have  and  are  for  His  glory. 

How  can  we  do  this?  First,  by  trusting  God ;  second,  by  prayer; 
third,  by  service.  Thus  we  bring  the  tithes  into  the  storehouse. 

Dr.  Matthews,  Moderator  of  General  Assembly,  in  interpreting 
his  text  to  his  people  called  it,  Giving  God  a  Chance,  and  he  asked 
the  question,  "Have  You  Given  God  a  Chance?" 

It  appealed  to  me  as  a  novel  way  to  interpret  Malachi's  message 
in  Twentieth  Century  language,  and  it  comes  home  to  us  to-day. 
Are  we  doing  our  part,  or  are  we  hindering  the  coming  of  the  blessing? 

Dr.  Matthews  uses  this  illustration,  "Out  of  yonder  fountain 
pours  the  pure  crystal  stream  of  cold  water.  Thousands  of  gallons 
come  from  the  unceasing  source.  You  stand  at  the  fountain  with  a 
bucket  in  your  hand  and  over  it  pours  the  crystal  stream.  Some- 
body says,  'Why  isn't  your  bucket  full?'  And  upon  examination 
it  is  found  that  the  lid  of  the  bucket  is  on  and  fastened,  yes,  sealed, 
making  it  impossible  for  one  drop  of  water  to  flow  into  the  bucket. " 

In  like  manner,  unbelief,  doubt,  distrust,  lack  of  faith,  seal  the 
openings  to  the  heart  and  the  soul  and  the  life,  making  it  impossible 
for  God's  blessing  to  pour  into  you.  Should  not  this  New  Year  open 
up  the  heart  and  the  life  that  God's  blessings  may  flow  freely  to 
enrich  every  day  of  this  New  Year? 

We  are  studying  in  our  Sunday  School  of  the  great  beginnings.  Our 
interest  to-day  centers  in  the  Garden  of  Eden — our  ancestral  home. 

Milton  in  his  poem  suggests  the  need  of  guardian  angels  even  in 
Paradise. 


DR.  STODDARD'S  SERMON  OF  A  YEAR  AGO          201 

Ithuriel  and  his  companion  Zephon  were  delegated  by  Gabriel 
to  watch  over  our  first  parents.  Ithuriel  detects  an  evil  spirit  in 
disguise.  He  touches  the  crouching  figure  with  his  spear,  for  no 
falsehood  can  endure  touch  of  celestial  temper,  but  returns  of  course 
to  its  own  likeness.  The  tempter  is  revealed  and  his  designs  for 
that  hour  failed.  The  touch  of  Ithuriel' s  spear  will  reveal  the  truth. 
It  is  well  symbolized  by  the  word  of  God  which  reveals  the  true 
relation  of  man  to  man  and  of  man  to  God. 

It  is  our  guide,  our  defense. 

Let  us  take  it  with  us  into  the  New  Year. 

Suggestions  of  good  come  from  our  guardian  angels,  by  the 
memories  of  the  fathers  and  mothers  and  friends  who  may  be  sent 
to  minister  still  to  their  beloved.  And  we  have  their  weapon  of 
defense — the  Sword  of  the  Spirit — whose  touch  is  like  that  of 
Ithuriel's  spear,  revealing  the  truth. 

Let  us  take  this  sword  with  us  into  the  New  Year  that  we  may 
know  the  right  and  follow.  Then  shall  we  most  gladly  bring  the 
tithes  into  the  storehouse  and  God  will  open  the  windows  of  Heaven 
and  pour  us  out  the  needed  blessing  for  our  homes  and  for  the  world. 

Printed  for  the  First  Sabbath  of  1914 

GLEANINGS    FROM    DR.    STODDARD'S    NEW  YEAR 
SERMON   OF  A  YEAR  AGO 

JOSH,  iii,  4,  5 

"That  ye  may  know  the  way  by  which  ye  must  go:  for  ye  have  not  passed  this  way 
heretofore.  And  Joshua  said  unto  the  people,  Sanctify  yourselves:  for  to-morrow  the 
Lord  will  do  wonders  among  you." 

Israel  was  to  make  a  new  beginning  in  a  new  land.  They  were 
to  sanctify  themselves.  We  shall  come  into  our  new  year  of  life 
with  better  hope  of  conquest  and  of  successful  labor  if  we  have  also 
sanctified  ourselves. 


202  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

It  will  be  a  year  of  blessing  if  we  walk  closely  in  the  footprints 
of  our  Leader  for  we  have  "an  infallible  Christ,"  who  will  lead  us 
to  the  highest  and  the  best  in  the  journey  of  another  year,  and  we 
know  not  into  what  an  inheritance  this  year  may  enter.  Man, 
the  last  of  created  things,  has  become  almost  a  creator,  what  has 
enabled  him  to  rise? 

It  is  his  willingness  to  venture  into  the  unknown. 

Let  us  compare  man  with  the  animal  creation. 

The  beaver  knew  how  to  fell  a  tree  and  had  the  tools  to  do  his 
work  when  man  was  quite  unable  to  lop  a  single  branch ;  the  beaver 
could  bujld  a  dam,  when  man  was  utterly  at  the  mercy  of  the  flood. 

The  spider  could  spin,  the  bird  could  build,  and  the  mole  could 
make  its  long  tunnels,  before  man  began  to  do  these  things  even  in 
the  humblest  way. 

But  no  beaver  ever  ventures  upon  more  advantageous  building, 
no  spider  aims  at  a  new  design,  no  mole  varies  his  working — but 
man  has  ventured  into  the  unknown  in  a  thousand  directions;  he 
has  advanced  and  conquered  obstacles.  *  *  * 

Faith  in  God,  faith  in  man,  faith  in  our  opportunities  of  service 
will  enable  us  to  "build  new  chambers"  for  the  soul  this  year  to 
attain  to  greater  things  by  a  diligent  use  of  the  passing  days. 

If  we  sanctify  ourselves,  God  will  do  wonders  among  us,  for  as 
we  obey  God  we  are  used  for  God's  glory. 

There  is  something  touching  in  the  appeal,  "ye  have  not  passed 
this  way  heretofore. "  It  is  an  untrodden  pathway  into  the  un- 
known, and  much  we  need  to  place  our  hands  in  God's  hand.  "He 
knows  the  way  He  taketh  and  we  will  walk  with  Him. " 


As  you  enter  once  more  upon  a  new  year, 
One  waiteth  to  strengthen  to  guide  and  to  cheer. 
"Whatever  we  ask,"  is  the  promise  Divine, 
The  Saviour  has  said,  If  your  will  is  as  Mine 


DR.  STODDARD'S  SERMON  OF  A  YEAR  AGO          203 

The  powers  of  the  earth,  of  the  sea,  of  the  air 
Your  servants  become,  every  hour  everywhere, 
The  most  secret  things  to  your  touch  will  unfold, 
More  rich  in  their  treasures  than  silver  or  gold, 
And  the  fathomless  depths  of  the  ocean  of  love 
Shall  open  its  pearls  "for  thy  coming  above." 

Would  this  year  be  happy,  contribute  your  share 
To  brighten  its  shadows,  to  lighten  its  care, 
By  giving  the  best  that  to  you  has  been  given ; 
Reflecting  the  light  that  you  welcome  from  Heaven, 
Repeating  the  story  that  never  grows  old, 
With  faith  in  the  promise  that  conquers  the  world, 
Go  forward,  press  onward,  the  way  is  unknown 
Save,  before  you  is  service,  beyond  is  the  Crown. 

May  harbor  bells  welcome  us  each  as  we  come 

To  the  Sainted  who  serve  in  this  New  Year  at  Home ! 

January  i,  1914.  E.  A.   S. 

HARVEST   HOME 

The  ripened  seeds  of  gathered  flowers, 
The  golden  sheaves  of  garnered  grain, 

We  sow  around  these  homes  of  ours. 
And  when  the  harvest  waves  again 

The  work  of  faithful  hands  goes  on, 

And  on  and  on  when  they  are  gone. 

The  generations  of  the  past 

Have  thus  bequeathed  a  sacred  trust ; 

The  seeds  into  time's  furrows  cast 
Will  blossom  from  their  sacred  dust. 

By  life,  by  death  the  work  goes  on, 

And  on  and  on  when  they  are  gone. 


204  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

Another  harvest  from  the  field 
We  bring  to  crown  another  year, 

To  scatter  wide  that  it  may  yield 
Its  thousandfold  when  shall  appear 

The  reapers,  with  each  sainted  one 

Whose  work  goes  on  when  they  are  gone. 

Our  fathers'  God,  to  thee  we  come 
Help  us  in  faithfulness  and  love 

To  gather  for  the  harvest  home 
The  sowing  of  these  saints  above, 

While  they  rejoice  that  work  goes  on, 

Forever  on,  when  they  are  gone. 

And  when  we  rest,  may  other  hands 
Bind  up  the  sheaves  and  sow  the  grain, 

Until  shall  bloom  the  desert  sands, 
And  over  all  the  Christ  shall  reign ; 

And  higher  service  shall  be  given, 

The  fellowship  and  joy  of  heaven. 

NEW  YEAR  GREETING 
1914 

A  maiden  drew  the  curtain  fold, 

And  watched  the  setting  sun, 
As  with  its  crimson  and  its  gold 
It  shed  a  glow  on  a  pilgrim  old, 
Whose  course  was  almost  run. 

His  mantle,  with  long  use,  was  gray, 

His  sandals  travel-worn, 
Three  hundred  miles  of  dusty  way 
And  sixty-five  he  counts  to-day 
Since  it  was  New  Year  morn. 


DR.  STODDARD'S  SERMON  OF  A  YEAR  AGO          205 

Around  the  dear,  departing  year 

Are  forms  of  love  and  light, 
The  memories  that  link  us  here 
To  yonder  holy  happy  sphere 

Whose  veil  seems  drawn  to-night. 

And  the  heart  cried  for  vanished  hours, 

The  hours  that  long  have  sped ; 
The  beautiful,  the  gathered  flowers, 
The  treasures  that  we  once  called  ours, 

Oh!  Bring  them  back,  she  plead. 

But  still  the  bent,  gray  mantled  form 

Kept  steadfast  on  his  way, 
As  in  the  sunshine  and  the  storm 
The  measured  step  had  marked  so  long, 

The  ever-passing  day. 

The  midnight  hour  was  near  at  hand, 

That  hour  must  bring  him  home, 
He  could  not  pause  at  her  command 
His  staff  was  not  a  magic  wand 

To  bid  the  past  return. 

Come  back,  come  back,  for  one  more  word, 

I  would  redeem  the  time, 
But  echoes  of  retreating  tread, 
One,  two,  three,  four,  to  twelve  were  heard, 

And  then  the  New  Year  chime. 

For  time  returns  to  us  no  more, 

But  all  that  time  has  done, 
The  fruitage  of  the  days  of  yore 
Is  garnered  on  the  other  shore, 

To  use  when  we  go  home. 


206  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

The  buoyant  step  that  walks  beside, 

So  full  of  hope  and  cheer, 
For  twelve  long  months  will  be  your  guide ; 
What  treasures  will  you  each  confide 

To  this  expectant  year? 

As  new  resolves  you  make  to-day, 

To  use  the  blessings  given, 
With  voice  and  heart,  most  humbly  pray, 
That  God  will  guide  until  earth's  way 

Shall  end  at  gate  of  Heaven. 

And  there  all  mysteries  are  known, 

As  sent  to  us  in  love, 
For  we  are  going  to  our  own, 
With  every  year  still  nearer  home, 

That  Home  prepared  above. 

E.  A.  S. 


THE  ANNIVERSARY  OF  DR.  STODDARD'S  NINETY- 
FOURTH   BIRTHDAY 

APRIL  23,  1914 

Did  the  Angels  know  of  your  errand  here? 

When  from  home  to  home  they  brought  love  and  'cheer, 

From  the  Father's  house  to  our  open  door, 

With  the  dear  young  child  that  their  pinions  bore, 

Did  the  Angels  know  of  the  plan  of  love 

Enwrapped  in  that  gift  of  the  Home  above? 

And  what  did  it  mean  when  to  them  was  given 
To  return  the  Gift,  to  the  Home  of  Heaven? 

And  what  of  the  years  of  most  precious  time? 
Do  the  birthday  bells  of  another  clime 
Tell  the  story  of  love  and  of  ministry, 
As  a  part  of  the  life  of  Eternity? 

There  were  sixty-one  years  of  the  pastorate, 
But  the  love  for  the  work  did  not  abate 
In  the  fifty  years  of  activity 
With  the  flock  of  a  half  a  century. 

There  were  ninety-four  pealings  in  last  April's  chime, 

They  engathered  to  give  us  in  tones  most  sublime 

A  message  of  tender  review  of  the  past, 

An  outlook  beyond,  so  far  reaching,  so  vast, 

It  prepared  for  the  autumn  we  knew  was  in  store 

When  the  last  sheaf  was  gathered  in  harvests  of  yore, 

To  yield  seed  for  new  sowing  that  work  may  go  on, 

Until  the  last  reaper  at  sunset  shall  come, 

To  the  welcome  and  service  awaiting  "At  Home." 

E.  A.  S. 


207 


MEMORIAL  SERVICE  FOR  THE   PASTORATE 
OF  FIFTY  YEARS 

As  May  third,  1914,  completed  the  ministry  of  half  a  century, 
the  church  at  Succasunna  held  a  Memorial  Service  for  Dr.  Stoddard, 
whose  picture,  draped  in  golden  damask,  stood  on  an  easel  on  the 
pulpit  platform,  the  figures  50  in  gilt  nestling  in  the  white  blossoms 
that  looped  the  silken  drapery. 

The  decorations  were  under  the  care  of  the  Ladies'  Missionary 
Society. 

Yellow  daffodils  and  palms  predominated. 

The  senior  elder,  Mr.  T.  F.  King,  with  Mr.  Jonas  Hulse  and 
Mr.  F.  A.  de  Camp,  occupied  the  pulpit  with  the  Rev.  Ralph  Davy. 
The  choir  and  the  quartette  gave  selections  in  addition  to  those  on 
the  program,  which  are  given  here  with  the  printed  leaflet  that 
served  as  a  souvenir  of  a  most  impressive  occasion. 

The  first  address  was  by  Mr.  F.  A.  de  Camp  followed  by  Mr. 
Jonas  Hulse,  and  then  Mr.  T.  F.  King  touched  every  heart  by  his 
reminiscences. 

The  Rev.  Ralph  Davy,  after  reading  a  most  intensely  interesting 
appreciation  from  the  Rev.  Robert  E.  Zeigler  of  Baltimore,  added 
his  testimony  to  the  benediction  of  the  fifty  years,  and  just  as  the 
sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  was  celebrated  fifty  years  ago,  the 
church  gathered  at  the  table  of  the  Lord,  grateful  for  the  circle  on 
earth  and  the  household  in  the  Father's  house  in  Heaven. 


208 


MEMORIAL  SERVICE  FOR  FIFTY  YEARS'  PASTORATE     209 

HYMNS 
ADAPTED  FROM  THE  FORTY-EIGHTH  ANNIVERSARY. 

Jesus,  Saviour,  Pilot  Me. 

Jesus,  Saviour,  pilot  me 

Sang  the  child  at  mother's  knee, 
And  the  life  became  a  psalm 

In  the  storm  and  in  the  calm 
Conscious  of  the  Pilot's  care 

Every  day  and  everywhere. 


For  the  track  across  the  wave, 
For  the  guidance  that  it  gave, 

We  give  thanks  as  day  by  day 
We  pursue  the  homeward  way, 

Tracing  other  paths  of  light 
For  the  pilgrims  of  the  night. 


Thus  the  barks  that  sail  beside, 
Hope  to  meet  beyond  the  tide, 

Thus  His  presence  still  shall  keep 
Those  upon  the  trackless  deep ; 

As  still  sounds  across  the  sea, 
Fear  not,  I  will  pilot  thee. 


And  when  journey  ings  are  past, 
And  the  anchor  safely  cast, 

Meeting  on  the  other  shore, 
With  our  cherished  treasure-store, 

In  their  sweetest  chime  and  tone 
Harbor  bells  will  welcome  Home. 


210  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

"I  Heard  the  Voice  of  the  Lord  Saying,  Whom  Shall  I  Send  ?" 

ISAIAH  VI, 

Who  will  go  to  work  to-day? 

Who  will  sow  the  precious  seed? 
Who  will  bear  the  sheaves  away 

To  supply  a  world  in  need? 
And  the  answer  rose  to  Heaven 

"Here  am  I,  dear  Lord,  send  me" — 
And  the  grace  of  God  has  given 

All  these  years  of  ministry. 

Sixty-one  of  loving  thought, 

Years  of  earnest,  faithful  care; 
Sixty-one  of  life  enwrought 

In  the  work  that  angels  share. 
On  this  anniversary 

Fifty  years  we  contemplate, 
In  the  half  a  century 

Of  the  happy  pastorate. 

Grateful  for  each  memory, 

Heart  to  heart  and  hand  to  hand, 
One  in  love  and  sympathy, 

We  must  hear  the  Lord's  command, 
And  go  forth  as  sent  anew 

To  the  service  of  to-day. 
Grace  and  strength  He  will  renew 

In  each  effort  to  obey. 

Generations  come  and  go, 

But  the  work  goes  on  and  on ; 
There  are  many  fields  to  sow 

Ere  the  setting  of  the  sun. 
With  our  sheaves  of  golden  grain, 

May  we  with  the  reapers  come, 
When  upon  the  Heavenly  plain 

Angels  bring  the  harvest  home. 


MEMORIAL  SERVICE  FOR  FIFTY  YEARS'  PASTORATE    211 

GLEANINGS  FROM  DR.  STODDARD'S  SERMON  OF  50  YEARS  AGO, 

May   i,    1864 

LUKE  v,  26 

"And  they  were  all  amazed,  and  glorified  God,  and  were  filled 
with  fear,  saying,  We  have  seen  strange  things  to-day." 

It  was  in  the  midst  of  an  unusual  number  of  Pharisees  and  doc- 
tors of  the  law  that  Christ  sat  teaching.  They  were  gathered  from  all 
parts  of  Galilee  and  Judea  and  Jerusalem.  They  listened  most 
attentively,  and  the  power  of  the  Lord  was  present  to  heal. 

Crowds  filled  the  entrance  to  the  court  of  the  house.  .  .  .  The 
poor  palsied  man,  borne  by  his  four  friends,  could  not  find  a  way  of 
approach  until  some  one  suggested  to  let  the  invalid  down  from  the 
flat  roof.  .  .  .  Christ  understood  the  errand  and  spoke  the  word 
that  healed  the  soul  and  the  body. 

This  method  aroused  the  Pharisees.  "Who  can  forgive  sins  but 
God?"  was  their  question.  Christ  proved  Himself  to  be  God  by 
the  new  life  given  to  the  helpless,  who  returned  to  his  house  glorifying 
God.  And  they  were  all  amazed,  and  they  glorified  God,  and  were 
filled  with  fear,  saying,  "We  have  seen  strange  things  to-day." 
There  was  an  air  of  solemnity  and  grandeur  about  this  whole 
scene.  .  .  . 

The  witnesses  of  this  miracle  could  only  say,  "We  have  seen 
strange  things  to-day."  They  could  not  understand  because  they 
did  not  accept  Christ  as  their  Messiah. 

True  religion  has  always  been  strange  and  unaccountable  to  the 
heart  that  is  not  taught  of  the  Spirit.  The  facts  are  plainly  seen, 
but  the  process  is  a  mystery.  .  .  .  The  pilgrim  who  has  wandered 
over  hills  and  valleys,  in  narrow  paths,  would  be  poorly  prepared  to 
explain  or  appreciate  a  railway.  A  moving  train  would  be  a  strange 
spectacle,  because  he  has  not  studied  the  construction  of  a  railway. 
He  knows  many  facts  about  iron  and  wood  and  water,  but  he  has 


212 

never  dreamed  of  such  a  transformation.  Thus,  when  the  soul  is 
brought  into  the  knowledge  of  the  truth,  a  revelation  is  made  of 
power  and  beauty  and  blessing  beyond  any  human  thought.  We 
shall  see  strange  things  to-day  if  we  yield  ourselves  to  God's  blessing. 

Man  was  created  by  God  in  His  own  image;  sin  has  defaced 
that  image.  Christ  came  to  restore,  and  as  He  brings  us  to  our  high 
estate  and  unfolds  the  possibilities  of  life,  we  shall  see  strange  things 
at  this  very  hour. 

God's  word,  studied  and  obeyed,  brings  us  into  proper  relations 
to  God,  and  a  new  life  pulses  in  our  veins,  which  life  finds  its  expres- 
sion in  praise. 

It  was  singular  that  men  in  Christ's  day  did  not  say  "  We  have 
seen  strange  things  "  when  they  looked  on  the  crowds  of  sufferers  re- 
presenting all  manner  of  disease,  but  when  one  was  healed  they  were 
amazed.  And  thus  when  a  sinner  is  reclaimed  from  his  evil  ways 
people  say  We  have  seen  strange  things  to-day,  something  unusual. 
The  preaching  of  years  has  not  the  power  of  one  true  conversion. 
What  the  Church  now  needs  is  to  have  the  facts  of  true  religion 
illustrated  in  everyday  life.  Genuine  conversions  to  God  are  stronger 
in  their  pleading  than  all  theories. 

Thus  God  is  glorified.  .  .  .  Would  we  see  strange  things  to- 
day? Would  we  witness  the  power  of  God  over  all  evil?  Let  us 
surrender  ourselves  to  the  Present  Christ  who  has  all  power  to  heal 
and  to  bless.  Christianity  has  done  wonderful  things  for  the  world 
in  elevating  and  developing  man.  Christianity  has  still  its  revela- 
tions of  power.  As  the  heart  opens  to  receive,  as  the  life  yields  to 
its  guidance,  as  our  homes  welcome  the  Christ,  as  we  bring  others 
for  a  blessing,  it  shall  be  true  in  the  highest  and  best  use  of  the  words, 
"We  have  seen  strange  things  to-day." 


MEMORIAL  SERVICE  FOR  FIFTY  YEARS'  PASTORATE     213 

GLEANINGS  FROM  DR.  STODDARD'S  42ND 
ANNIVERSARY  SERMON,   May,  1906 

"A   SOWER  WENT   FORTH   TO   SOW" 

MATT,  xiii,  3 

Memorial  days  reflect  the  light  of  the  past  on  the  present. 

For  this  Anniversary  I  have  selected  the  teaching  of  a  parable. 

When  Christ  saw  the  husbandman  by  the  Sea  of  Galilee,  sowing 
the  seed  for  the  food  of  his  household,  he  used  the  incident  to  illus- 
trate the  manner  in  which  the  truth,  the  food  of  the  soul,  must  be 
given  to  those  who  would  sow  beside  all  waters. 

As  the  sower  went  forth  to  sow  the  fields  by  the  Sea  of  Galilee, 
so  Jesus  sent  His  disciples  with  seeds  for  the  food  of  the  world.  A 
provision  for  every  creature  is  in  the  command  to  "Go  into  all  the 
world." 

It  is  in  answer  to  this  command  of  Christ  that  the  Christian  minis- 
try are  ordained  and  set  apart  to  go  into  different  fields  where  one 
soweth  and  another  reapeth.  This  is  the  history  of  the  Church. 
It  is  Christ  sending  His  disciples  into  the  fields  that  may  be  still 
fallow  ground,  that  may  already  be  planted,  that  may  be  white  unto 
the  harvest. 

The  word  of  God  is  the  seed  from  which  man's  spiritual  nature 
is  to  be  nourished.  This  cannot  be  repeated  too  often  or  emphasized 
too  strongly.  The  seed  is  the  word;  from  its  growth  the  ministry 
is  to  feed  the  flock  of  God. 

The  familiar  figure  used  by  our  Lord,  you  easily  apply. 

The  part  that  the  Church  has  in  preparing  the  soil,  in  helping 
to  nurture  the  seed  sown,  and  in  reaping  the  harvest  is  well  known. 
Therefore,  the  review  of  the  years  that  we  have  labored  together 
has  its  precious  memories  and  its  lessons  for  us  all. 

Of  the  Elders  who  with  the  Trustees  made  out  the  call  under  the 


214  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

direction  of  the  parish,  not  one  remains  with  us,  and  only  five  of  the 
membership  of  that  day.  On  that  memorable  day  that  introduced 
me  to  this  parish,  I  noticed  the  sowers,  as  they  went  forth  to  sow. 

I  came  with  the  living  seed  and  very  earnestly  I  prayed  for  a 
blessing  on  the  Word. 

The  ingatherings  have  not  been  all  I  desired,  but  we  have  had  a 
rare  circle  of  devoted  Christians. 

Three  hundred  and  six  have  removed  or  died,  including  the  eighty 
who  welcomed  the  new  pastor. 

One  hundred  and  thirty-five  are  on  the  church  records  of  to-day. 
This  church  has  had  the  honor  of  giving  efficient  workers  to  many 
other  churches  and  to  many  departments  of  missionary  service. 
What  is  needed  is  more  growth  in  each  field. 

Who  will  go  to  work  to-day? 

Our  lives  are  before  us.    What  shall  we  do  with  them? 

Life  must  go  on  and  on  in  its  helpfulness  and  blessing  because  it 
is  a  part  of  the  life  eternal.  On  whom  shall  the  mantle  of  the  de- 
parted and  departing  fathers  fall? 

ANNIVERSARY  SERMON  OF  1912 
"THE  FEAST  OF  INGATHERING  AT  THE  YEAR'S  END 

EXODUS  XXxiv,   22 

I  have  chosen  this  illustration  once  more  to  convey  the  lesson 
of  another  year — a  year  that  completes  sixty  years  in  the  ministry 
and  forty-eight  years  of  a  pastorate,  with  a  people  whose  courtesy 
and  kindness  have  made  possible  this  almost  half  of  a  century  of 
united  service  in  the  work  dearest  to  our  hearts. 

Forty-eight  years  ago,  on  the  thirtieth  of  April,  a  stranger  was 
met  on  the  platform  of  the  old  Drakeville  station  by  a  son  of  one  of 
the  elders  of  this  church.  Two  miles  brought  us  to  the  hospitable 
home,  whose  courtesies  have  been  associated  with  these  forty-eight 


MEMORIAL  SERVICE  FOR  FIFTY  YEARS'  PASTORATE     215 

years.  The  precious  mother  of  the  household  still  speaks  the  wel- 
come that  the  sainted  father  gave  first  on  that  memorable  evening, 
and  the  place  seems  still  conscious  of  his  presence  as  his  children 
honor  his  memory  by  taking  up  his  work. 

On  Sabbath,  May  1st,  we  all  came  to  this  church  to  worship.  I 
had  prepared  this  message,  my  first  sermon  in  this  pulpit,  from  the 
text,  Luke  v,  26,  "And  they  were  all  amazed,  and  they  glorified  God, 
and  were  filled  with  fear,  saying,  We  have  seen  strange  things 
to-day." 

You  will  recall  the  words  in  connection  with  the  healing  of  the 
paralytic  who  was  let  down  before  Christ  while  he  was  preaching. 
...  A  very  few  of  those  present  at  that  service  are  here  to-day. 
Three  names  are  still  on  the  church  record.  With  the  exception  of  a 
few  who  have  taken  letters  to  distant  church  homes,  the  remainder 
are  enrolled  in  the  Lamb's  Book  of  Life.  These  include  all  the  Elder- 
ship and  the  Trustees  and  the  Fathers  and  Mothers  in  Israel — but 
as  every  age,  every  home,  every  heart,  is  the  starting  point  of 
influences  that  live  on  and  on  and  on,  moulding  the  future  as  well  as 
enriching  the  past,  the  absent  are  still  a  part  of  our  lives  in  their 
bequeathments  of  noble  examples  and  unswerving  love  of  the 
truth. 

They  have  passed  over  the  Bridge  that  our  Christ  threw  over  the 
chasm  that  had  separated  man  from  God;  and  from  the  brighter, 
other  side  they  watch  us  as  we  journey  home. 

Let  us  stand  by  that  bridge.  There  is  no  need  to  dig  up  the  piles 
to  see  if  they  are  sound.  The  fact  that  the  Bridge  has  carried 
millions  upon  millions  safely  over  is  proof  of  its  stability.  This 
inheritance  of  the  fathers,  faith  in  God,  I  emphasize  to-day. 

As  it  is  our  sacramental  season,  I  will  leave  the  historic  sermon 
for  another  day.  We  gather  at  the  table  of  the  Lord  to  remember. 

We  remember  that  first  company  seated  with  our  Lord  in  the 
upper  room.  We  remember  the  dear  circles  of  our  own  communion 
season  in  these  years. 


216  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

We  remember  the  promise  of  sitting  down  with  them  again  in  the 
Kingdom. 

May  this  hour  be  one  of  sweet  fellowship  with  a  present  Christ. 

Note 

Dr.  Stoddard  also  spoke  on  the  Anniversary  in  May,  1913,  and 
at  the  communion  season  in  August. 

On  the  first  Sabbath  in  November,  while  his  beloved  people 
gathered  for  the  solemn  service  here,  their  beloved  Pastor  was  with 
the  flock  on  the  other  side;  representing  this  church  in  the  General 
Assembly  of  Heaven. 

ADDRESS  BY  MR.  FREDERICK  A.  DE  CAMP 

In  commemorating  to-day  the  fifty  years  of  Dr.  Stoddard's 
pastorate  of  this  church,  I  have  been  requested  to  bring  a  message 
on  behalf  of  the  Sunday-school,  which  he  so  dearly  loved. 

While  our  hearts  are  sad,  and  we  miss  his  presence,  and  the  sound 
of  his  voice,  more  and  more  as  the  days  pass,  we  at  the  same  time 
have  occasion  for  rejoicing  for  the  long  and  eventful  life,  so  fully 
consecrated  to  the  service  of  God,  and  for  fifty  of  the  sixty-one 
fruitful  years  in  the  ministry. 

I  well  remember  a  large  portion  of  the  fifty  years. 

Many  of  us  remember  when  the  sessions  of  the  Sunday-school 
were  held  in  this  church,  previous  to  the  erection  of  the  Memorial 
Chapel,  where  the  pastor  always  taught  a  large  Bible  class.  Many 
will  recall  the  deep  interest  that  all  of  the  members  manifested  in 
the  lessons,  so  faithfully  and  realistically  presented.  Only  cir- 
cumstances beyond  his  control  ever  kept  him  from  his  accustomed 
place  in  the  school,  where  he  always  took  active  part  in  the  exercises, 
giving  inspiration  and  encouragement. 

Never  has  there  been  a  pastor  and  teacher  who  more  constantly 
and  consistently  taught  and  upheld  higher  ideals  than  did  Dr. 


MEMORIAL  SERVICE  FOR  FIFTY  YEARS'  PASTORATE     217 

Stoddard.  That  all  should  gain  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  Bible 
was  always  his  chief  aim,  and  many  have  been  the  testimonies  from 
those  who  have  felt  the  influence  in  their  lives  of  the  knowledge  thus 
gained. 

His  supreme  object — his  constant  prayer  was,  that  all  of  the 
members  of  the  school  should  find  the  Christ,  and  become  actively 
engaged  in  Christian  work. 

His  deep  interest  in  the  school  never  abated,  a  message  being 
sent  on  the  last  Sunday. 

His  was  a  grand,  noble  life — always  a  living  example  of  what  he 
preached.  The  value  of  such  a  life  cannot  be  estimated,  because 
there  are  no  bounds  to  its  influence,  which  will  go  on  and  on  through 
the  coming  years. 

As  has  been  said,  let  us  pray  that  his  "mantle  may  fall  on  us," 
that  we  may  faithfully  carry  on  the  work  which  he  so  dearly  loved. 

ADDRESS  BY  MR.  JONAS  W.  HULSE 

When  Dr.  Stoddard  came  to  this  parish  I  was  three  years  of  age. 

During  this  period  of  fifty  years  many  of  our  fathers  have  gone 
to  their  reward,  and  as  we  gather  here  this  morning  can  we  not  say, 
"The  faith  of  our  fathers  is  living  still"  ? 

Of  that  faith  and  love  for  my  Saviour  the  greater  part  I  owe  to 
Dr.  Stoddard.  His  influence  and  example  in  my  early  days  helped 
me  to  see  and  to  become  better  acquainted  in  the  work  of  the 
spirit. 

Especially  would  I  speak  of  the  Sabbath-school — how  we  were 
taught  to  use  the  Scriptures,  to  know  the  Commandments,  Dr. 
Stoddard  often  calling  upon  the  school  to  give  them  from  memory. 
Thus  we  became  so  acquainted  with  those  choice  passages  of  Scrip- 
ture that  they  have  never  left  me,  and  no  doubt  they  have  been 
as  helpful  to  many  others  as  I  have  found  them  to  be  in  time  of 
need. 


2i8  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

ADDRESS  BY  MR.  T.  F.  KING 

In  the  few  words  I  may  say  this  morning  it  does  not  seem  neces- 
sary to  attempt  to  eulogize  Dr.  Stoddard.  As  a  pastor  and  friend 
we  all  knew  him  well.  There  were  a  few  traits  in  his  character 
which  I  think  can  be  mentioned  with  profit  to  the  church  and 
community.  I  had  the  good  fortune  to  attend  many  public  gather- 
ings with  him,  such  as  Presbytery,  Synod,  and  General  Assembly, 
and  the  one  special  thing  always  prominent  was  the  attention  and 
respect  he  commanded.  It  seemed  that  the  kindly,  gentle  disposi- 
tion and  ability  was  apparent  at  sight  and  commanded  respect  with- 
out the  least  effort  on  his  part.  I  remember  attending  Presbytery 
at  one  time  when  he  was  selected  to  make  the  after-dinner  speech, 
and  he  gave  without  any  effort  as  good  an  address  as  I  have  ever 
heard  on  such  an  occasion.  Again,  at  the  Ordination  services  of 
the  young  man  who  has  gone  to  Syria,  held  before  Presbytery,  it 
fell  to  the  lot  of  Dr.  Stoddard,  then  over  ninety  years  old,  to  preach 
the  sermon.  I  think  it  was  the  best  sermon  I  ever  heard.  It  was 
filled  full  of  thoughts  and  teachings  that  would  impress  upon  this 
young  man  the  importance  of  the  work,  the  opportunities  it  would 
bring  to  him,  and  the  necessity  of  thorough  consecration  to  God. 
Dr.  Stoddard's  life  has  left  an  example  of  faithfulness  that  we  ought 
never  to  forget.  We  saw  him  in  the  pulpit  when  he  was  not  able 
to  be  there,  and  when  too  feeble  to  walk  he  continued  to  come  in  the 
wheel  chair.  On  one  occasion  when  so  feeble  that  he  sat  seeming  to 
be  sleeping  and  the  time  came  to  ask  him  to  offer  the  benediction, 
with  scarcely  a  moment's  hesitation  he  made  a  prayer  that  I  doubt 
if  any  one  present  will  ever  forget.  Shall  we  remember  and  strive 
to  follow  his  example  of  faithfulness?  His  communion  with  God 
was  so  trusting  and  faithful  that  when  he  prayed  it  seemed  that  God 
was  very  near  and  that  he  was  talking  to  Him.  It  was  truly  won- 
derful, the  effect  upon  him  of  going  so  frequently  to  God  in  prayer. 
Shall  we  learn  this  lesson  and  give  God  the  opportunity  of  molding 


MEMORIAL  SERVICE  FOR  FIFTY  YEARS'  PASTORATE     219 

us  and  giving  us  the  wisdom  and  thought  to  pattern  after  this  life 
and  its  work? 

Dr.  Stoddard  could  never  be  induced  to  say  an  unkind  word 
about  any  one ;  no  criticism  or  sarcastic  remarks,  nothing  but  gentle- 
ness and  kindness,  so  that  little  children  did  not  fear  him,  but  loved 
him.  Shall  we  remember  this  trait  in  his  character,  and  instead  of 
finding  fault  or  some  flaw  in  our  neighbors  and  friends,  as  human 
nature  is  prone  to  do,  shall  we  strive  to  help  each  other  and  spend 
more  time  examining  ourselves  and  asking  God  to  help  us  to  get 
right? 

We  have  had  fifty  years  under  his  pastorate,  which  has  been  one 
continued,  earnest  effort  to  live  near  God  and  keep  the  church  at 
peace.  May  our  remembrance  of  his  examples  and  teachings  en- 
able the  church  to  carry  on  the  work  in  peace  and  harmony. 

My  business  has  been  such  that  I  have  had  the  opportunity  of 
meeting  many  classes  of  people,  and  in  the  forty  years  that  I  have 
known  Dr.  Stoddard  not  once  have  I  heard  him  criticized  by  any  one 
as  to  his  sincerity.  All  believed  that  he  believed  what  he  preached 
and  prayed.  Some  would  question  the  correctness  of  his  belief 
in  a  God,  but  never  did  I  hear  his  honesty  of  purpose  questioned. 
Shall  we  strive  to  live  up  to  this  example?  Shall  we  earnestly 
endeavor  to  cultivate  a  gentle,  loving  disposition,  faithful  to  God, 
the  church,  and  our  friends,  frequently  and  earnestly  praying  to  our 
Father  for  guidance  and  help  that  each  one  of  us  may  do  our  duty? 

ADDRESS  BY  THE  REV.  RALPH  DAVY 

It  may  seem  presumptuous  in  me,  a  comparative  stranger,  to 
attempt  to  add  anything  to  these  words  of  appreciation  of  this  noble 
character,  that  have  been  spoken  by  those  so  intimately  associated 
with  him  in  his  life  and  work. 

Twenty  years  ago  last  Christmas  Day  I  first  came  to  Succasunna. 
On  the  same  evening  of  my  arrival,  I  attended  a  Christmas  enter- 


220  ELIJAH  WOODWARD  STODDARD 

tainment  in  this  church.  And  it  was  here  I  first  saw  Dr.  Stoddard. 
I  had  heard  of  him  and  his  work  but  had  never  seen  him  in  person 
before.  I  have  an  especially  vivid  recollection  of  Dr.  Stoddard  as 
I  saw  him  in  the  regular  church  service  on  the  following  Sunday  and 
in  the  Sunday-school  which  followed  in  the  afternoon.  I  was 
especially  impressed  with  the  manner  and  character  of  his  work  in 
the  Sunday-school.  During  that  visit  and  in  my  subsequent  more 
recent  acquaintance  with  Dr.  Stoddard  there  were  certain  charac- 
teristics of  the  man  that  indelibly  fixed  themselves  upon  my  mind. 

First  of  all  to  a  remarkable  degree  Dr.  Stoddard  possessed  that 
ability  without  which  no  man  can  succeed  to  any  marked  degree  in 
the  ministry,  namely,  the  ability  to  organize.  Then  there  was 
another  remarkable  trait  which  Dr.  Stoddard  possessed  to  a  degree 
seldom  equaled  and  that  was  his  peculiar  self-possession.  The 
church  services  or  whatever  he  did  moved  along  with  a  peculiar  ease 
that  convinced  one  that  there  was  organization  of  machinery  and 
forces  somewhere  but  everything  moved  so  smoothly  that  the  rattle 
and  clank  of  the  machinery  never  reached  the  ear.  This  coupled 
with  his  great  self-possession,  which  seemingly  never  forsook  him 
under  any  circumstance,  gave  to  all  the  services  which  he  conducted 
a  quiet  restfulness  most  delightful  to  experience. 

Dr.  Stoddard,  while  not  a  stern  or  austere  man,  yet  was  one  who 
never  lost  the  sense  of  the  high  dignity  of  his  calling.  Of  com- 
manding presence,  one  felt  when  with  him  that  he  was  in  the 
presence  of  one  of  God's  noblemen.  His  patriarchal  appearance 
and  dignity  of  demeanor  gave  to  his  later  public  ministry  a  certain 
exalted  grace  attained  by  few  indeed. 

But  best  of  all,  greatest  of  all,  his  heart  was  in  his  work.  The 
heart  of  the  great  Dr.  Livingstone  was  buried  in  Africa  and  his  body 
in  Westminster.  Our  dear  friend's  spirit  is  in  heaven  but  his  heart 
is  here  in  this  place.  He  loved  his  people.  He  put  his  whole  life 
into  his  work.  He  spared  not  himself.  He  counted  not  his  life 
dear,  but  poured  out  his  life  forces  freely  for  the  Gospel's  sake.  And 


MEMORIAL  SERVICE  FOR  FIFTY  YEARS'  PASTORATE     221 

in  losing  his  life  for  the  Master  he  found  it  again  in  richer,  fuller 
measure  in  the  lives  of  those  for  whom  he  labored. 

Although  coming  into  intimate  contact  with  Dr.  Stoddard  but  a 
short  time  before  his  translation  yet  I  count  myself  happy  indeed 
that  even  in  the  golden  sunset  of  his  splendid  life  I  was  permitted 
to  come  into  contact  with  him. 

"God  buries  his  workmen,  but  continues  his  work."  To-day 
we  close  a  page  of  our  church's  history.  It  is  eminently  fitting  that 
we  pause  a  moment  together  about  the  Lord's  Table  in  consecration 
of  ourselves  anew  to  the  Master's  service  before  turning  another 
page.  What  we  write  on  the  new  page  will  show  how  well  we  have 
profited  by  the  splendid  past. 


THE  GLOW  OF  THE  LAMPS 

"He  that  reapeth  receiveth  wages,  and  gathereth  fruit  unto  life  eternal;  that  he 
that  soweth  and  he  that  reapeth  may  rejoice  together."    John  iv.,  36. 

The  glow  of  the  Lamps  that  have  passed  out  of  sight, 
The  footprints  of  pilgrims  who  rest  on  the  height, 
The  sheaves  of  new  harvests,  as  years  shall  repeat, 
Inspire  us  to  sow,  that  the  ages  may  reap. 

Our  Father,  we  thank  Thee  for  lives  made  sublime 
By  working  with  Thee,  in  the  cycles  of  time, 
For  service  eternal  from  life's  little  span, 
Wrought  into  some  part  of  eternity's  plan. 

The  glow  of  the  Lamps  will  engirdle  the  night, 
As  footsteps  press  onward  in  pathways  of  light, 
To  scatter  the  sheaves  until  harvests  shall  meet 
And  earth  be  one  field  for  the  angels  to  reap. 

E.A.S. 


222 


TRIBUTE  OF  UNION  SEMINARY 

On  May  12,  1914,  at  the  meeting  of  the  Alumni  of  the  Union 
Theological  Seminary,  when  the  announcement  was  made  that  the 
Rev.  Elijah  Woodward  Stoddard  had  been  called  to  a  higher  service, 
his  kinsman,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Charles  Augustus  Stoddard,  gave  a  short 
review  of  the  sixty-one  years  in  the  ministry,  alluding  most  tenderly 
to  the  tributes  to  the  fifty  years  of  the  pastorate  with  the  Presby- 
terian Church  of  Succasunna,  N.  J. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  David  R.  Frazer  followed  in  a  few  well  chosen 
words  of  heartfelt  endorsement,  and  in  the  closing  prayer  gave 
thanks  for  the  life  and  the  work  of  the  patriarch,  who  only  two  years 
before  had  arisen  in  response  to  the  roll  call  of  the  class  of  1852;  in 
his  clear,  earnest  tone  bringing  a  message  from  the  past,  to  the 
present,  for  the  future.  This  was  repeated  by  letter  one  year  ago 
and  it  comes  to  us  to-day  with  an  added  benediction. 

The  desire  of  Dr.  Stoddard's  heart  has  been  granted  in  the 
privilege  to  continue  in  the  active  ministry  until  needed  "at  Home. " 

His  last  message  was  characteristic  of  his  life,  "Let  everything 
be  done  for  the  glory  of  God. " 


223 


VICTORY 

One  grand  paean  of  victory 

Is  wafted  from  the  height, 
Where  those  who  fought  so  valiantly 

Are  crowned  in  realms  of  light. 

The  ranks  in  front  are  conquerors, 

Amid  the  battle's  din 
We  hear  them  shout,  the  day  is  ours, 

Your  triumph  song  begin. 

The  workmen  die,  the  work  goes  on, 

A  ceaseless  ministry 
That  traces  on  the  builded  stone 

Its  immortality. 

Some  portion  of  the  symmetry 

Of  temple-arch  or  tower 
Depends  on  our  fidelity 

To  every  present  hour. 

Not  only  for  a  century 

We  mold  our  bricks  of  clay, 
Those  build  for  an  eternity 

Who  build  with  God  to-day. 

E.  A.  S. 


224 


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